Biography Soesalit Djojoadhiningrat, RA Kartini's Son

April 21st is commemorated annually as Kartini Day in Indonesia. RA Kartini, born on April 21, 1879, in Jepara, passed away on September 13, 1904. RA Kartini's first son, Soesalit Djojoadhiningrat, faced a challenging life after being born just days before his mother's tragic demise. Unlike his widely recognized and honored mother, Soesalit Djojoadhiningrat's struggles remain less known.

Early Orphanhood

Left motherless at birth, Soesalit Djojoadhiningrat had to navigate a harsh life. Raised by his grandmother, Ngasirah or Nyonya Mangunwikrimo, he later returned to the care of his father, K.R.M Adipati Ario Singgih Djojo Adhiningrat. However, at the age of eight, Soesalit Djojoadhiningrat lost his father to death. He was then taken in by his older stepbrother, Abdulkarnen Djojoadinigrat, who assumed the role of Bupati (regent) of Rembang, succeeding their father.

Education

Despite being raised by his stepbrother, Soesalit Djojoadhiningrat attended the same school as Kartini, the Europe Lagere School (ELS), graduating in 1919. Afterward, he pursued further education at Hogere Burger School Semarang and graduated in 1925. He also underwent training at Opleiding School Voor Inlandsche Ambtenaren.

Involvement in PETA

Soesalit Djojoadhiningrat joined the Tentara Pembela Tanah Air (Defenders of the Homeland Army) during the Japanese occupation, achieving the rank of Major General. However, due to the Re-Ra (Reorganization-Rationalization of the Indonesian National Armed Forces in 1948), his rank was reduced to Colonel.

Member of Commission 3 General

As part of the Re-Ra program, Soesalit Djojoadhiningrat was appointed as a member of Commission 3 General, representing former PETA and militia members. Meanwhile, Major General Suwardi represented former KNIL (Royal Netherlands East Indies Army) members, and Abdul Haris Nasution represented young officers.

Commander of Division III Diponegoro

Soesalit Djojoadhiningrat served as the Commander of Division III Diponegoro, appointed by Amir Sjarifoedin from October 1946 to March 1948, as he was considered a significant figure in the Republic's military.

Prestigious Positions

Apart from being the Commander of Division III Diponegoro, Soesalit Djojoadhiningrat also held positions such as the Commander of Brigade V Division II Cirebon until 1946. He was also appointed as the Commander of the Kedu and surrounding regions' Battle Command in 1948.

Pulled into the Army Staff

Soesalit Djojoadhiningrat was pulled into the Army Staff at the Ministry of Defense at the age of 44, following the events in Madiun in 1948. His proximity to some left-wing figures drew attention, especially considering his stepbrother, Abdulmadjid Djojoadiningrat, had communist leanings during his education in the Netherlands. Abdulmadjid befriended Amir Sjarifoedin, who had connections with Musso, the leader of the Madiun Affair.

Passing at 57

Soesalit Djojoadhiningrat passed away at the age of 57 on March 17, 1962. His remains were laid to rest in the RA Kartini family cemetery in Desa Bulu, Bulu District, Rembang Regency. Soesalit Djojoadhiningrat is also known to have a son named R.M. Boedhy Setia Soesalit.