Samanhoedi

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Hadji Samanhoedi (1868-December 28, 1956) was founder of Sarekat Dagang Islam, a mass organization in Indonesia that was previously an association for batik traders in Surakarta.

Born in Lawiyan, Solo (Surakarta) as Soedarno Nadi, he was educated until SR (Sekolah Rakyat) but he didn't graduate. After that he learned Islam in Surabaya. At the same time he traded batik.

Around 1911 there was an unhealthy competition between Indonesian traders and Chinese traders. Indonesian traders were oppressed by Dutch geovernment, while Chinese traders were helped. Hence Indonesian traders couldn't expand. Seeing this imbalanced condition, Samanhoedi made an effort to arrange strength in trade and religion. In 1911, he established Sarekat Dagang Islam in Solo. This organization's aim was to defend Indonesian traders' interest.

SDI's birth was answered extraordinarily. In the short time ith branches were founded in outer Solo. The Dutch government was shocked to see this development. After that, SDI was promoted to political party. On September 10, 1912, SDI was changed to SI (Sarekat Islam; Islamic Union). H. Samanhoedi was elected to be its chairman until 1914. After that, SDI was led by H.O.S. Tjokroaminoto, and grew to be mass party.

Since 1920, H. Samanhoedi wasn't active in the party. His health was bad, but his interest to national movement never calmed down. For a long time his name never appeared. After Indonesia's independence, he was active again. To defend Republic of Indonesia facing Dutch agression, Samanhoedi formed Solo Branch of Indonesian Rebel Front (Barisan Pemberontak Indonesia Cabang Solo) and Pancasila Union Branch (Cabang Persatuan Pancasila). When the Netherlands launched Clash II, he formed an army named Hawk Union Movement (Gerakan Kesatuan Alap-alap). That army was assigned to provide equipments mainly foods for army union fighting in the front line. There were many services he gave when Indonesian National Revolution took place.

He died in Klaten (28 December 1956) and was buried in Banaran, Grogol, Sukoharjo.