History of Scout Day August 14: from the Colonial Period to Independence

 

History of Scout Day August 14: from the Colonial Period to Independence

 

Scout Memorial Day in Indonesia falls on August 14, where behind the history of Scouting there is a long story and is one of the important days in Indonesia. The Praja Muda Karana Movement or abbreviated as Scouts existed long before Indonesia got its independence, and Scouts were very instrumental in the emergence of the national movement.

The word Scout was first introduced in English by Robert Baden Powell of Gilwell, he is famous for his many experiences and high abilities in terms of coaching teenagers and skills in survival activities.

During his life Robert Baden Powell once wrote a book entitled "Aids to Scouting" which became a guide for young soldiers from England in carrying out their duties. Then over time the leader of the Boys Brigade from England submitted a request to Robert Baden Powell to provide training for its members.

Robert Baden Powell was not tired of writing his journey in scouting training, namely in 1908 he managed to write another book entitled "Scouting for Boy". This book is a bestseller in the market and spread throughout the world until finally entering Indonesia.

When the Dutch were still colonizing Indonesia, a scouting movement was established in the Dutch East Indies based in Jakarta under the name Nederlands Padvinders Vereeniging (NPV). Then on September 4, 1917, the scouting movement was changed its name to Nederlands Indische Padvinders Vereeniging, and this movement was part of the scouting in the Netherlands, namely the Nederlands Padvinders Organisatie (NPO).

The leaders of the Indonesian independence movement were very interested and interested in the existence of the NPV. They see that Pramuk can be used as a tool to shape the mental and character of the people in Indonesia. Then in 1916 the Javaansche Padvinders Organisatie (JPO) was inaugurated as the first organization in Indonesia initiated by Prince A.A. Mangkunegara VII and without any contribution from the hands of the Dutch.

JPO became the seed of encouragement for the Indonesian people and since then many other scouting movements were established in Indonesia, such as SIAP (Sarekat Islam Afdeling Padvindery), JJP (Jong Java Padvindery), NATIPIJ (Nationale Islamftsche Padvinderzj), Hizbul Wathan (HW), and Padvinders Muhammadiyah.

Over time, the term Padvindery was opposed by the Dutch. And then KH. Agus Salim changed the word Panvindery to Scout or scout. In 1930, PK (Pandu Sultanate), PPS (Pandu Pemuda Sumatra), and IPO merged into one to establish KBI (Indonesian Nation Scouts). After a year, PAPI (Indonesian Scout Association) was established. Subsequently in 1938, this movement was changed its name to BPPKI (Central Board of Indonesian Scout Brotherhood).

For the first time to unite the spirit and nationalism, BPPKI plans to hold an All Indonesia Jamboree. However, due to several considerations, the name of the activity was changed to PERKINO (Indonesian Oemoem Scout Camp) and this activity was held from 29 to 23 July 1941 in Yogyakarta. This activity will be the forerunner of the Jamboree activities that have been carried out until now.

During the Japanese colonial period, this scouting movement began to experience many obstacles. Many scouts were drawn to Keibondan, PETA and also Seinendan. This is an organizational movement from Japan that is used to provide support to the Japanese army. Japan also banned walking scouting activities, because it was considered dangerous, namely it could unite the spirit and unity of the Indonesian people.

After Indonesia's independence, the Indonesian people's scouting organization was established on December 28, 1945 in Solo, as the only forum for the scouting movement in Indonesia. The endorsement of Pandu Rakyat Indonesia was strengthened by the Decree of the Minister of Education, Teaching and Culture Number 93/Bhg.A, dated February 1, 1947.

In 1950, the scout organization that used to exist when the Dutch were still colonizing Indonesia. Subsequently, the Minister of Education, Teaching and Culture issued Decree number 23441/Kab, dated September 6, 1951, which essentially stated that there could be other scouting organizations apart from Pandu Rakyat Indonesia.

Then was born Presidential Decree No. 238 of 1961 on May 20, 1961 which contained the Scout Movement which was signed by the Acting President of the Republic of Indonesia, Ir. Juanda. The Presidential Decree became the basis that the Scout Movement was the only scouting movement in Indonesia.

For the determination of August 14 which is commemorated as Scout Day, it was also decided through Presidential Decree No. 448 of 1961.