Adam Malik

Adam Malik, born on July 22, 1917, in Pematangsiantar, North Sumatra, was a prominent Indonesian politician, diplomat, and journalist. He grew up in a relatively comfortable environment and received his education at the Hollandsch-Inlandsche School (HIS). His career began in 1937 when he played a pivotal role in establishing the Antara news agency, becoming an active supporter of Indonesian independence. His commitment to the cause led to his imprisonment for defying the Colonial Government's ban on political assemblies.

As Indonesia approached independence on August 17, 1945, Malik was involved in significant events such as the Rengasdengklok incident and the Proclamation of Independence. Following the nation's liberation, he held various governmental roles, including a member of the People's Representative Council (DPR) and Minister for Trade. His diplomatic career flourished when he was appointed Foreign Minister in 1966, a position he held until 1977.

In 1977, Malik was elected as Speaker of both the People's Representative Council and the People's Consultative Assembly. The following year, he ascended to the role of the third vice president of Indonesia, succeeding Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX. During his vice presidency, he was vocal about the government's increasing feudalism-like structure and rampant corruption, which he described as an epidemic.

Malik's term as vice president concluded in 1983 when he was succeeded by Umar Wirahadikusumah. He passed away on September 5, 1984, in Bandung due to liver cancer, and was laid to rest in the Kalibata Heroes' Cemetery. In honor of his contributions, his family later established the Adam Malik Museum, and he was posthumously designated as a National Hero on November 6, 1998, through Presidential Decree No. 107/TK/1998.