June 7, 2026 | 10:14 am
Sutan Sjahrir with Agus Salim, Charles Tambu, Sumitro Djojohadikusumo and Soedjatmoko at the UN Security Council meeting in Lake Success, 1947. Doc. Renungan dan Perjuangan Bianglala
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - One afternoon in the second half of 1965, Raden Soejoso Poegoeh gathered his family for lunch at their home on Jalan Sumbawa No. 23, West Jakarta. The Navy commodore—equivalent today to a rear admiral—had an important announcement for his wife and children.The lunch menu was special, featuring all of Poegoeh’s favorite dishes: fried tempeh, mix vegetables in peanut sauce, and fried chicken. His family assembled around the dining table. There was his wife, Soemini, and their three daughters: Rosita Poedjiwati, Lyna Soertidewi, and Thania Setyowati.After the meal, Poegoeh revealed his desire to help his uncle, President Sukarno. Poegoeh was the son of Sukarno’s older sister, Soekarmini. At the time, he felt Sukarno was increasingly being isolated after the eruption of the September 30 Movement in 1965. He came up with the idea of founding a newspaper. The former member of the Gotong Royong House of Representatives/Provisional People’s Consultative Assembly in 1964 hoped there would be a media outlet capable of reviving Sukarno’s ideas.But he faced one obstacle: money. To launch a newspaper, Poegoeh needed capital. That was why he gathered his family to ask for their approval. “I’d like permission to sell the car to start a newspaper,” he said while looking at his wife. “Go ahead, Mas. Whatever you think is best,” Soemini replied. Their children also agreed. With his family’s blessing secured, Poegoeh felt relieved.Read the Complete Story in Tempo English Magazine
