Adam Malik
Who was Adam Malik?
Third Vice President of Indonesia (1978-1983) and prominent journalist who played a key role in Indonesia's foreign policy and Non-Aligned Movement leadership.
Biographical data adapted from Wikipedia’s article on Adam Malik (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Biography
Adam Malik Batubara, born on 22 July 1917 in Pematangsiantar, North Sumatra, became one of Indonesia's most important political figures of the 20th century. He grew up in a relatively comfortable family and went to the Hollandsch-Inlandsche School (HIS) during the Dutch colonial period. He got involved in journalism and politics early on, helping to establish the Antara news agency in 1937, which later became Indonesia's national news service. His defiance against colonial rule led to his imprisonment for opposing the Colonial Government's ban on political gatherings, marking the start of his lifelong dedication to Indonesian independence.
When Indonesia was moving towards independence, Malik played an active role. He was part of the Rengasdengklok incident and was involved in the Proclamation of Independence on 17 August 1945. After independence, he started his government career, serving as a member of the People's Representative Council and as Minister for Trade under President Sukarno. His skills in diplomacy and politics were evident early on, paving the way for his later prominence in Indonesian foreign policy.
Malik's most notable work came during the Suharto era when he became Foreign Minister in 1966, a role he held until 1977. During this time, he shaped Indonesia's foreign policy and was key in the country's leadership in the Non-Aligned Movement. His international reputation was further cemented when he served as president of the United Nations General Assembly from 1971 to 1972. In 1977, he was elected Speaker of both the People's Representative Council and the People's Consultative Assembly, showing his continued impact on domestic politics.
In 1978, Malik became the third Vice President of Indonesia, succeeding Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX. Despite his role in the Suharto administration, he became increasingly critical of government policies during his vice presidency. He openly spoke against the government's feudalistic structure and highlighted corruption as a significant problem affecting the country. His willingness to address these issues showed his commitment to democratic values and good governance. His term as vice president ended in 1983 when Umar Wirahadikusumah replaced him.
Adam Malik passed away on 5 September 1984 in Bandung, succumbing to liver cancer. His contributions to Indonesia earned him numerous awards, including being named a National Hero of Indonesia and receiving the Star of the Republic of Indonesia, Bintang Mahaputera, and the Order of the Crown of Malaysia. He was married to Nelly Adam Malik and was laid to rest in the Kalibata Heroes' Cemetery, confirming his status as one of Indonesia's most respected statesmen. Besides his political accomplishments, Malik was also known for his art collection, showcasing his love for cultural expression and heritage.
Before Fame
Adam Malik's rise to prominence began with his education in the Dutch colonial system at the Hollandsch-Inlandsche School, meant for native Indonesian elites. This schooling gave him language skills and insights into both Indonesian and Western ideas, which would be valuable in his later diplomatic career. He started his journalism journey by founding the Antara news agency in 1937, a time when nationalist feelings were growing in Indonesia, and young thinkers were looking for ways to express Indonesian identity and push back against colonial rule.
The 1930s and 1940s were times of great political change in Indonesia, with various independence movements gaining ground and World War II significantly altering the colonial power structure. Malik's involvement in political activities during this time, including his imprisonment for standing up to colonial authorities, put him among the leaders who would help Indonesia transition from a Dutch colony to an independent nation. His work in journalism and activism during these early years laid the groundwork for his future roles in government and diplomacy.
Key Achievements
- Served as Indonesia's Foreign Minister from 1966 to 1977, shaping the country's international relations during a critical period
- Elected as the third Vice President of Indonesia from 1978 to 1983
- Served as president of the United Nations General Assembly from 1971 to 1972
- Co-founded Antara news agency in 1937, which became Indonesia's national news service
- Played an active role in Indonesia's independence movement and the Proclamation of Independence in 1945
Did You Know?
- 01.He helped establish the Antara news agency in 1937, which became Indonesia's national news service and continues to operate today
- 02.He was imprisoned by Dutch colonial authorities for participating in banned political assemblies during the independence movement
- 03.He served as president of the United Nations General Assembly from 1971 to 1972, making him one of the few Indonesians to hold this prestigious international position
- 04.Despite being vice president under Suharto, he publicly criticized government corruption, calling it an 'epidemic'
- 05.He was involved in the Rengasdengklok incident, a key event in the lead-up to Indonesia's independence proclamation
Family & Personal Life
Awards & Honors
| Award | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| National Hero of Indonesia | — | — |
| Star of the Republic of Indonesia | — | — |
| Bintang Mahaputera | — | — |
| Order of the Crown of Malaysia | — | — |