Legendary Figure Prof. Dr. HAMKA: Satu Pena – West Sumatra Declares HAMKA as a Great Nusantara Writer from West Sumatra – INDONESIA
The West Sumatra Regional Board of Indonesian Writers Organization - Satu Pena (DPD Satu Pena Sumbar) has officially recognized Prof. Dr. Haji Abdul Malik Karim Amrullah (HAMKA) as the Great Writer of West Sumatra in a historic gathering at the West Sumatra Provincial Archives and Library Office on Monday, March 10, 2025. Image Source: Sastri Bakry.
Editor: Leni Marlina
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Padang, March 10, 2025 – Suaraanaknegerinews.com – Through the pages he wrote, the ideas he inscribed, and the interpretations he crafted, Prof. Dr. Haji Abdul Malik Karim Amrullah (HAMKA) has left an indelible mark on the intellectual and literary landscape of Nusantara. To some, he is a charismatic Islamic scholar; to others, a brilliant novelist. For the world of literature, he is an intellectual who bridges tradition and modernity.
On Monday, March 10, 2025, the Regional Executive Board (DPD) of Indonesian Writers Organization of Satu Pena – West Sumatra officially recognized HAMKA as a Great Writer of West Sumatra in a historic meeting held at the West Sumatra Provincial Archives and Library Office in Padang city. This decision is not merely an honorary gesture but also serves as a crucial step in revisiting HAMKA’s thoughts and works, which have played a vital role in shaping the intellectual and cultural consciousness of the nation.
A Historic Decision: The Rigorous Selection Process
The decision to recognize HAMKA as a great writer was not made lightly. It was the result of an extensive selection process, in-depth studies, and intellectual discussions. A total of 32 prominent writers from West Sumatra were initially nominated. This list was then narrowed down to 10 candidates, before finally being shortlisted to 5 names.
After thorough deliberations and evaluations, the panel unanimously declared that HAMKA was the most deserving figure to receive this prestigious recognition.
Why HAMKA?
The Chairperson of DPD SATUPENA West Sumatra, Sastri Yunizarti Bakry, emphasized that HAMKA’s works transcend time and space.
“His writings are not just words; they serve as a guiding light for civilization. He masterfully integrates Islamic values, local wisdom, and global perspectives into a harmonious literary and intellectual tapestry,” said Sastri.
Armaidi Tanjung, Secretary of DPD SATUPENA West Sumatra, highlighted HAMKA’s profound influence in shaping the moral and intellectual character of the nation.
“HAMKA is a pillar of intellect and national revival. More than just a writer, he was a scholar who captured and reflected society’s conditions through his powerful and thought-provoking works,” Armaidi remarked.
The Secretary of the West Sumatra Archives and Library Office, Rahimi Siddik, also praised this initiative.
“We appreciate DPD SATUPENA West Sumatra for initiating this recognition. May this award inspire the community to appreciate and remember the great writers of West Sumatra,” he stated.
HAMKA: Islamic Scholar, Novelist, Journalist, and National Intellectual
HAMKA was born on February 17, 1908, in Maninjau, West Sumatra. Growing up in an intellectually and spiritually rich environment, he was deeply influenced by his father, Haji Abdul Karim Amrullah, a pioneering Islamic reformist in Minangkabau.
Unlike many scholars who pursued formal academic paths, HAMKA was largely self-taught. He immersed himself in a wide array of literature, spanning literature, philosophy, history, and Islamic thought. His pursuit of knowledge took him on journeys across Minangkabau, Java, and Mecca, where he gained diverse perspectives on Islam, culture, and politics—insights that later shaped his groundbreaking works.
1. Literary Masterpieces that Spanned Generations
HAMKA is celebrated as a novelist who immortalized Indonesian social realities through his works. His most famous novels include:
1. “Tenggelamnya Kapal Van der Wijck” (The Sinking of the Van der Wijck)
2. “Di Bawah Lindungan Ka’bah” (Under the Protection of the Ka’bah)
2. “Merantau ke Deli” (Wandering to Deli)
These novels are not mere fictional stories but vivid portraits of social conflicts, love, and cultural struggles.
In Tenggelamnya Kapal Van der Wijck, for instance, HAMKA explores the tension between tradition and love, a theme that remains deeply relevant in Indonesian society today.
2. Islamic Thought and Tafsir Al-Azhar
HAMKA was also a distinguished Islamic scholar, renowned for his Tafsir Al-Azhar, a monumental work that provides textual interpretations of the Quran while contextualizing its meanings within social, political, and cultural realities.
His moderate and intellectual approach positioned him as a bridge between traditional and modern Islam, balancing spirituality with contemporary societal needs.
3. Journalism and Political Struggles
HAMKA’s influence extended beyond literature and Islamic studies. He was an active journalist, founding and leading several publications, including “Panji Masyarakat”, one of the most influential intellectual platforms for Muslims in his era.
He also briefly engaged in politics, serving as a member of the Indonesian People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) and as the first Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI).
However, his journey was not without obstacles. He was imprisoned during President Sukarno’s era due to ideological differences with the government. Despite these hardships, HAMKA never wavered in his commitment to writing, intellectual discourse, and da’wah. To be more surprised, HAMKA totally has forgiven Sukarno, the Indonesian first president who under his sdministration has sent HAMKA to the jail. Having forgiving soul, HAMKA became a great model of humble and forgiving muslim world thinker.
Selection Panel for West Sumatra’s Greatest Writer Award (2025)
The selection of HAMKA as West Sumatra’s Great Writer was overseen by a team of esteemed academics, literary figures, and media professionals, as outlined in Decree No. 01/DPD-SATUPENA/SB/SK/III/2025, issued on March 9, 2025:
1. Rahimi Siddik, S.IP, M.Si – Secretary of the West Sumatra Archives and Library Office (Chair of the Plenary Session)
2. Dra. Sastri Yunizarti Bakry, Akt, M.Si, CA, QIA – Chairperson of DPD SATUPENA West Sumatra (Key initiator of the award program)
3. Armaidi Tanjung, S.Sos., M.A – Secretary of DPD SATUPENA West Sumatra (Responsible for candidate selection and verification)
4. Prof. Dr. Ermanto, M.Hum – Dean of the Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Padang (Academic representative for literary assessment)
5. Dr. Ronidin, M.A – Representative of the Faculty of Cultural Studies, Universitas Andalas (Expert on Minangkabau literature)
6. Isa Kurniawan, S.Si – Coordinator of the Sumatra Media Association (HAMAS) (Oversees the impact of literary publications)
7. Soesilo Abadi Piliang – Representative of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) West Sumatra (Analyzes HAMKA’s journalistic contributions)
8. Fajri Rahmad Ersya, S.STP, M.Si – Head of Library Services, Automation, and Cooperation (Responsible for literary archiving and documentation)
The decision to honor Prof. Dr. HAMKA was formally established in Padang, West Sumatra, on March 10, 2025, and signed by Dra. Hj. Sastri Yunizarti Bakry, Akt, M.Si, CA, QIA (Chairperson of DPD Satu Pena West Sumatra) and Armaidi Tanjung, S.Sos., M.A (Secretary of DPD Satu Pena West Sumatra).
Indonesian SATUPENA and SATUPENA Branch West Sumatra
* Indonesian SATUPENA (ONE PEN)
The Indonesian Writers Association (SATUPENA) is a national organization, founded and lead by Denny, J.A., dedicated to advancing literature, literacy, and intellectual discourse across Indonesia. Founded by leading Indonesian writers, Satu Pena (One Pen) aims to connect writers, support literary development, and promote Indonesian literature globally. The association regularly organizes seminars, literary workshops, book discussions, and writer mentorship programs.
* Satu Pena Branch West Sumatra
As a regional branch of Satu Pena, DPD Satu Pena West Sumatra plays a crucial role in preserving and celebrating the literary heritage of West Sumatra, particularly its rich Minangkabau literary traditions. Under the leadership of Sastri Yunizarti Bakry, this organization actively supports local writers, promotes literary discussions, and recognizes influential literary figures such as HAMKA.
By declaring HAMKA as a Great Writer of West Sumatra, Satu Pena West Sumatra reaffirms its commitment to preserving historical literary legacies while inspiring future generations to continue exploring the power of words and ideas
HAMKA’s International Influence
HAMKA’s legacy extends beyond Indonesia, gaining international recognition in:
1. The Islamic World
His Tafsir Al-Azhar became a reference for Islamic scholars globally, particularly in Malaysia, Brunei, and the Middle East.
He was an honorary scholar at Al-Azhar University, Egypt, strengthening Indonesia’s intellectual ties with the Arab world.
2. Southeast Asia
HAMKA had strong intellectual and literary influence in Malaysia, Brunei, and Singapore, shaping regional Islamic thought.
His works are widely studied in Southeast Asian universities, and he remains a symbol of Nusantara’s intellectual legacy.
3. Western Recognition
Several of HAMKA’s novels have been translated into English and European languages, making him one of Indonesia’s most internationally recognized authors.
Preserving HAMKA’s Legacy for Future Generations
This recognition of Prof. Dr. Haji Abdul Malik Karim Amrullah (HAMKA) is not just an award but a reminder that literature, intellectual thought, and ideas form the foundation of a nation.
As HAMKA once said:
“If life is merely about survival, then even the animals in the forest do the same. If work is just about making a living, then monkeys work too.”
His words remind us that life must have meaning, and our works must contribute to civilization. It is now our duty to read, preserve, and revive HAMKA’s thoughts to build a more enlightened and cultured nation and more civilized world.
[LM, SATUPENA West Sumatra, Suaraanaknegerinews.com | Assisted by AI | Sources: Sastri Bakry]
