Who is Nyak Sandang and Why did He came to the National Palace?

Who is Nyak Sandang?
Why did he was invited to meet Mr. Jokowi, the President of Indonesia at the National Palace?

Hm..., as a matter of fact, I really wanna skip this post!
Nope, this is not because I do not admired him. But, it is mostly because of the publicities made about this issue has already published every where. Nyak Sandang, the 91 years old 'grand father' become very popular. Lots of medias talked about him, and he is being so familiar to Indonesian public.

Unfortunately, the publicities were in bahasa (Indonesian language), and some foreigner friends of mine asked me if I could tell them about this phenomenal person. Hence, I googled but can not find one.

Picture grabbed from @JokopediaID, the media update of the Mr. President Jokowi Government

Yes, Nyak Sandang become so popular!
Even the twitter land suddenly enlivened by the hashtag of #NyakSandang last night (21 March 2018) and became trending topic, since the grand father was invited by Mr. Jokowi (the number one person in Indonesia). Yes, Nyak Sandang who is hoping to meet the humble president, Jokowi, were invited directly by the president to meet him at the National Palace.

Trending topic on twitter

Wow! "But, why? Who is he(Nyak Sandang) and What did he do?" Asked my foreigner friends.

Well, as I love you all, let me sit to write about it down here. This post dedicates for you, and all of my visitors who need the english version. But, keep in mind, this post is just a general summary. More or less, I do hope that it could help, ok?

So, here we go!

Screenshooted from JokopediaId account

Nyak Sandang, is an Acehnese old man, 91 years old (2018), living in Gampong Lhuet, Kecamatan Jaya, Kabupaten Aceh Jaya, Aceh. He is one of the Acehnese people whose contributed the Indonesian government in the early era after Indonesian government declared its Independence.

As a new independence country, the President need to go here and there, visiting the targeted countries for the reason of diplomatic and networking matter. As the Dutch was still embargoing some areas of the country, it was difficult to make the land trip. Thus, the support to have air transportation (aircraft) in order to fullfil those purposes are in urgent need.

That is why, Soekarno, the president, met Teungku Daod Beureueh, the Governor of Sumatera and also the Military Governor Of Sumatera, to ask his support. Soekarno visited some regions in Sumatera island, which well known as the rich island, giving inspirational speech to have the spirit of Sumatranese who loves the country. His inspirational speeches, were added by the speeches of Daod Bereueuh as well, truly inspiring the people of Sumatera to give their contribution.

It was mentioned in some publicities, that Soekarno received the total donations from the people of Aceh amounting SGD 120 thousand and 20 kg of pure gold. And one of the donator who still alive is Mr. Nyak Sandang.
He (Nyak Sandang) was 23 years old at that time, together with his parents, they sold a patch of land and 10 grams of gold. His valued Rp100 was handed over to the state to support purchasing the aircraft.
The total donation then used to purchase two aircrafts called Seulawah R-001 and Seulawah R-002. And, those two aircrafts were the embryo of Garuda Indonesia airlines!

Wow! Amazing! As an Acehnese, I am so proud of Acehnese willingness and quick response to contribute this need. I am so proud of you, Nyak Sandang, and all the Acehnese people! We love our country, and will do everything to contribute to the country, right?

The Power of Virtual World.

How can the president know about Nyak Sandang?

Actually, this is not a smart question, right?
Since the internet era, where virtual world has the speed faster than the light to distribute some info, there is no doubt that everything can be shared just in one or two clicks, and then boom! People are awaken and realized that somebody need a hand! Then, things being viral, and flowing to get the solution.

The story of Nyak Sandang, from the 'forgotten' man after his big contribution to this country, and being visible by the publication support by netizen, media, and other stakeholders, are the prove of the power of virtual world!

What is the result of the meeting with Mr. Jokowi?

Well, yeah. The humble president, Mr. Jokowi, welcoming Nyak Sandang warmly, politely, and rich of appreciation. This Indonesian donator, then have the opportunity to submit his hopes to the president. They are;

1. Hoping to have the support from the president for his cataract surgery --> Well responded by the president. Nyak Sandang will have the surgery ASAP (As Soon As Possible).

2. Hoping to have the opportunity for Hajj. --> The government through the Religious Affairs will arrange this hope, but since the hajj lines (queue) are so long, meanwhile, the president offers Nyak Sandang and his wife for Umrah. Wow!

3. Hoping to have the support of Indonesian government to build a mosque in Nyak Sandang village --> Jokowi will send a team for surveying the location and arranging the construction.

Wow! Salute for Mr. Jokowi for his fast response. I love you, Pak!

Well, steemians and my foreigner friends, that is all that I can tell you about Nyak Sandang. Hopefully that this articles will enlighten your insight, ya! :)

Al, Bandung, 22 March 2018