Adam Malik

Adam Malik Batubara (22 July 1917 – 5 September 1984) was an Indonesian politician, diplomat, and journalist, who served as the third vice president of Indonesia from 1978 until 1983, under President Suharto.

Born in Pematangsiantar, North Sumatra, on 22 July 1917.

He grew up relatively comfortably, and was educated at the Hollandsch-Inlandsche School (HIS).

Adam Malik Batubara was born on 22 July 1917, in Pematangsiantar, North Sumatra.

He was born into a Batak Mandailing Muslim family of the Batubara clan.

His father was Abdul Malik Batubara and his mother was Salamah Lubis.

He was the third child of 9 children.

His family was relatively wealthy, with his parents both being traders.

The family were the only ones who owned a Buick sedan in his hometown.

Growing up, Adam Malik was fond of reading, photography, and watching cowboy films.

Adam Malik received his basic education at the Hollandsch-Inlandsche School (HIS), in Pematangsiantar.

He continued his education at the Sumatra Thawalib Islamic Boarding School Parabek in Bukittinggi, however he returned home to help his parents just a year and a half later.

Adam Malik started his involvement in politics in 1930 in Pematangsiantar.

From the beginning he consciously chose the political field, through his dedication in the struggle to achieve Indonesian independence, and then he also took part in a functional role after independence.

He would become the Chairman of the Pematang Siantar branch of Partindo (Indonesia Party) when he was 17.

In this position, Malik campaigned for the Dutch Colonial Government to grant independence to Indonesia.

As a result of this, Malik was put in prison for disobeying the Colonial Government's ban on political assemblies.

Once he was freed, Malik left Pematang Siantar for Jakarta.

When he turned 20, Adam Malik, sought a career in journalism.

He pioneered the establishment of the Antara news agency in 1937, and was an active supporter of Indonesian independence, being put in prison for disobeying the Colonial Government's ban on political assemblies.

Together with Soemanang, Sipahutar, Armin Pane, Abdul Hakim, and Pandu Kartawiguna, pioneered the establishment of the Antara news agency in 1937 based in JI.

Pinangsia 38 Jakarta Kota.

At the time, Adam Malik was then appointed to be the editor as well as the deputy director of Antara.

Apart from working for Antara, Adam Malik also wrote a number of articles for several newspapers, including the Pelita Andalas newspaper and Partindo magazine.

During the Japanese occupation of Indonesia, Adam Malik was a member of the Youth Movement Leadership in preparation for Indonesian Independence in Jakarta, and he actively fought against the Japanese Military.

Adam Malik also played an important role in the events leading up to Indonesia's Declaration of Independence.

Towards independence on 17 August 1945, he was involved in the Rengasdengklok incident and the Proclamation of Independence.

Following independence, he served in a number of government positions, including as a member of the People's Representative Council (DPR) and as the Minister for Trade.

He continued to serve in government, following the fall of Sukarno.

On 16 August 1945 Malik and other pro-Independence youths kidnapped Nationalist movement leaders Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta.

Being appointed Foreign Minister in 1966.

Previously, he served in a number of diplomatic and governmental positions, including Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly from 1977 to 1978, Speaker of the People's Representative Council from 1977 to 1978, Foreign Minister of Indonesia from 1966 until 1977, and president of the United Nations General Assembly from 1971 until 1972.

In 1977, he was elected as Speaker of both the People's Representative Council (DPR) People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).

In 1978, he was elected as the 3rd Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia replacing Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX who unexpectedly stated that he was not willing to be nominated again.

As vice president, he criticized the government for its increasing feudalism-like structure and rampant corruption, referring it as an "epidemic."

In 1983, Malik's term as Vice-President came to an end and he was replaced by Umar Wirahadikusumah.

Adam Malik died on 5 September 1984, in Bandung, due to liver cancer.

His body was interred in the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery.

Later, his wife and children established the Adam Malik Museum.

He was designated as a National Hero on 6 November 1998 based on Presidential Decree No. 107/TK/1998.