Have you ever heard of the name Pattimura? The name Pattimura is the name of one of the national heroes which was later enshrined as the name of a university, airport, and even immortalized as an image in the Rp. 1000 denomination that was ever issued by Bank Indonesia. So, who exactly is Pattimura and what is Pattimura’s role in Indonesian history?
Thomas Matulessy also known as Kapitan Pattimura or Pattimura is an Indonesian national hero from Maluku. Pattimura was born in Haria, Saparua, Central Maluku on June 8, 1783 to the Matulessy family. His father’s name is Frans Matulessy and his mother’s name is Fransina Silahoi. Before taking up the fight against the VOC he had a career in the military as a former British Military sergeant. His name was later known for leading the resistance of the Moluccan people against the Dutch through the Pattimura war.
Since the 17th and 18th centuries there has been a series of armed resistance against the Dutch (VOC) due to the oppression of Dutch colonialism in the form of trade monopoly, hongi shipping, forced labor and so on. This oppression is felt in all aspects of people’s lives, both in terms of socio-economic, political and socio-psychological aspects.
For two hundred years the people of Maluku experienced division and poverty. The people of Maluku produce cloves and nutmeg for the world market, but the majority of the people do not experience any perceived economic benefits. Instead of making a profit, the Maluku people actually suffered even more due to various policies such as heavy taxes in the form of compulsory surrender ( Verplichte leverantien ) and contingents as well as an economic blockade that isolated the Maluku people from other Indonesian traders.
In the second phase, the British occupation of Maluku in 1810 – 1817 had to end on March 25, 1817 after the Dutch regained control of the Maluku region. The Moluccan people firmly rejected the arrival of the Dutch by making the “Daily Proclamation” and “Objection Hatawano”. The Haria Proclamation was composed by Pattimura.
When the Dutch government began to exercise its power through Governor Van Middelkoop and Saparua Resident Johannes Rudolf van der Berg, the armed resistance of the Maluku people broke out. Deliberations and consolidation of forces were held where at these forums Pattimura was agreed as the great captain to lead the struggle. On May 7, 1817 in a general meeting in Baileu Haria state, Thomas Matulessy was confirmed in a customary ceremony as “Grand Captain”.
After being sworn in as captain, Pattimura chose several of his assistants who were also chivalrous, namely Anthoni Rhebok, Philips Latimahina, Lucas Selano, Arong Lisapafy, Melchior Kesaulya and Sarassa Sanaki, Martha Christina Tiahahu, and Paulus Tiahahu. Pattimura with Philips Latumahina and Lucas Selano raided the Duurstede fort.
The news of the fall of Duurstede fort into the hands of the Pattimura troops and the annihilation of the Dutch, shook and confused the Dutch government in the city of Ambon. Governor Van Middelkoop and commissioner Engelhard decided a large military force to Saparua under the leadership of major Beetjes. The expedition was later called the Beetjes expedition.
Knowing this, Kapitan Pattimura immediately set up battle tactics and strategies. A people’s army of about a thousand men was arranged in defense along the coast from Haria Bay to Saparua Bay. Pattimura and his troops managed to defeat Beetjes and his army.
On May 20, 1817, a giant meeting was held in Haria to make a statement of determination to continue the struggle against the Dutch. This commemoration of determination is known as the Portho Haria Proclamation which contains 14 articles of statements and was signed by 21 Patih Kings from the islands of Saparua and Nusalaut. This proclamation aroused a fighting spirit that encouraged the growth of battle fronts in various places, even as far as North Maluku.
On 4 July 1817 a powerful fleet led by Overste de Groot headed for Saparua with the task of carrying out the vandalism. The whole country in the Hatawano peninsula was burned to the ground. Negotiation tactics, sudden attacks, acts of vandalism, and fighting were carried out one after another. The Dutch also launched a politics of betrayal against Pattimura and his aides.
On 11 November 181 7 accompanied by several traitors, Lieutenant Pietersen managed to ambush Pattimura and Philips Latumahina. The fighter figures were finally arrested and ended their service on the gallows on December 16, 1817 in the city of Ambon. For his services and sacrifices, Kapitan Pattimura was confirmed as a hero of the struggle for independence by the government of the Republic of Indonesia. Indonesian national hero.
Well, buddy, that’s the figure of Pattimura and the struggle he did in the face of colonialism by the Dutch. Pattimura’s courage and fighting spirit should be emulated by friends. Hopefully this article can be useful for friends, yes!