Sudikno Mertokusumo Details

                                     Sudikno Mertokusumo

Who Was Sudikno Mertokusumo?

In case you are interested in law or Indonesian history or the individuals who were involved in shaping the Indonesian system of law, you certainly should know Sudikno Mertokusumo. He was one of the founding fathers of modern Indonesian law, who was more than just a legal expert, being born in Yogyakarta in the year 1897. His legacy is also evident to-date in the manner in which justice is taught and carried out in the entire country

But there is no need to panic even when you are not a lawyer. This paper will make it simple and straightforward. You are going to meet whom Sudikno was, what he did and why he still matters.

Early Life and Education

Sudikno was brought up in an era when Indonesia was still experiencing Dutch colonialism and chances of locals to be given assistance in areas such as higher education were minimal. But this did not prevent Sudikno. He was one of the pioneer Indonesians to study law in the Netherlands; it was a big event at that time.

Just imagine going to a different country, going thousands of kilometers and learning in an entirely different language to accomplish your dreams. That is what Sudikno did. He attended one of the best universities in Europe (Leiden University), and he graduated with honours.

 His Contributions to Indonesian Law

Upon his return to Indonesia, Sudikno attained a certain realization: legal systems here were hardly working on behalf of the local people. It was founded on the Dutch law which did not necessarily apply to the situation in Indonesia all the times.

Then what did he do?

He began to write books and lectures which made legal concepts easier to understand by Indonesians. His most well-known book is titled as Hukum Acara Perdata Indonesia (Civil Procedural Law of Indonesia). Law students continue to use it!

It was his belief that law must be fair and understandable not only to the judge and lawyers or even to the laymen. This is what I admire so much since, frankly speaking, legal matters can be so confusing, can they?

Teaching and Inspiring Future Generations

Sudikno Mertokusumo being a professor loved teaching. He also served in other big universities like Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in Yogyakarta that subsequently became one of the best schools in Indonesia offering law.

A lot of his pupils became judges, lawyers and lawmakers. That implies that he influenced people a lot further than the classroom. He contributed in constructing a generation that adhered to law and justice.

What Makes Him So Special?

The question that may come to mind now is, with so many legal scholars why Sudikno?

Some of the reasons are as follows:

He simplified law so that it would become functional to the Indonesians and not merely their replication of the Dutch systems.

He wrote in an easy language such that even amateurs could comprehend.

He was a mentor and felt that education held the main solution to developing a nation.

He came up with materials that are taken in law schools to date.

Concisely, Sudikno did not only represent a scholar but was a reformer and visionary.

Personal Reflection

I recall the first time I have read the name of Sudikno Mertokusumo in a book on legal studies. In the beginning I was baffled--his books so serious! I read it but then I understood how understandable it all was. Even hard subjects became workable. There are times, when the knowledge of the past provides us with insight into the present. Such a connection between the traditional world-view and the new jurisprudence is what Sudikno has to provide.

His Legacy in Today’s World

Although Sudikno died in the year 1980, his work remains current. His vision of easy law and justice becomes appreciated in the modern world where the justice system has been severely criticized because it had been too complicated or unjust.

He still remains an inspiration to legal reformers in Indonesia. He is the name that is being discussed during many debates, lectures, and seminars on justice and human rights.

Final Thoughts

Not everyone knows the name of Sudikno Mertokusumo, but his impact can be considered profound and enduring. He provided a foundation to the establishment of an Indonesian legal system which is endeavoring to be reasonable, comprehensible and home-grown.

Whether you are a student or a teacher or simply someone who wonders how societies work, you are going to learn much in his life and work.

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