Bagindo Azizchan, Struggle Inspiration and Service for the Young Generation

 

Foto : Bagindo Azizchan

Kolomberita.id - Bagindo Azizchan, a figure who became the second Mayor of Padang after independence, continues to inspire the younger generation with his persistent struggle and dedication to the country. Bagindo Azizchan was born on September 30, 1910 in the city of Padang and died on July 19, 1947 at a young age, 36 years, after being involved in the battle against the Dutch.

Bagindo Azizchan studied at HIS Padang, MULO Surabaya, and AMS Batavia. He also studied at Rechtshoogeschool te Batavia (RHS) for two years before deciding to practice law. In addition, he is active in various organizations, including as a board member of the Jong Islamieten Bond led by Agus Salim.

After returning to his hometown in 1935, Bagindo Azizchan devoted himself as a teacher at several schools in Padang. He has also moved to teach outside the city. During this period, he was active in the Indonesian Muslim Association (Permi) until the organization was disbanded in 1937.

After the proclamation of Indonesian independence, Bagindo Azizchan was appointed Deputy Mayor of Padang on January 24, 1946. Then, on August 15, 1946, he was appointed Mayor of Padang replacing Mr. Abubakar Jaar who moved to work as a resident in North Sumatra.

At that time, Padang was in a situation after the arrival of the Allies which was followed by the presence of Dutch military troops. However, Bagindo Azizchan refused to submit to the Dutch military power. He continued to fight by publishing a struggle newspaper called Republik Indonesia Jaya. In fact, he directly led the resistance against the Dutch.

On July 19, 1947, Bagindo Azizchan died after being hit by a blunt object and suffering a gunshot wound to his face. His body was then buried at the Happy Heroes Cemetery, Bukittinggi. The highest award, National Hero of Indonesia, was given to him on November 9, 2005 in recognition of his services and sacrifices in the struggle for independence.

To commemorate his services and sacrifice, Bagindo Azizchan is immortalized by giving street names in several cities, including Padang and Bukittinggi. In Padang, there is a fist-shaped monument known as Tugu Simpang Tinju. This monument was erected at the intersection of Jalan Gajah Mada and Jalan Jhoni Anwar, Kampung Olo, Nanggalo, and was inaugurated by the Mayor of Padang, Syahrul Ujud, on July 19, 1983.

Apart from that, there are also other monuments located in Taman Melati, the Adityawarman Museum complex. This monument is the work of painter Wisran Hadi and sculptor Arby Samah. The two monuments are symbols of respect and appreciation for Bagindo Azizchan and remind us of his fighting spirit in defending Indonesian independence.

Editorial