javaprivatetour.com – Picture yourself wandering through the charming streets of Senen, Jakarta, where every corner holds a piece of Indonesia’s rich history. In this enchanting district, the echoes of the past resonate with tales of a bygone era, unveiling the origins of the first medical school in Indonesia. As we delve into the historical tapestry, let’s embark on a fascinating journey through time, exploring the roots of STOVIA and its transformation into the present-day Museum Kebangkitan Nasional.
The Birth of Sekolah Dokter Djawa
Our story begins in 1851 when the School of Javanese Doctors (Sekolah Dokter Djawa) emerged as a response to the devastating smallpox epidemic along the northern coast of Java. Gubernur Jenderal Duymaer van Twist, witnessing the plight of the people, initiated the establishment of a special school to train vaccination officers. However, as time progressed, concerns arose about the high mortality rates affecting plantation yields.
In light of the insufficient medical workforce, Dr. Willem Bosch proposed the idea of founding a medical school. Thus, in January 1851, Sekolah Dokter Djawa came to life within the premises of the Weltevreden Military Hospital, with a two-year educational program aimed at combating the epidemic.
The Evolution into STOVIA
STOVIA, an abbreviation for School tot Opleiding van Inlandsche Artsen (School for the Education of Native Doctors), later emerged as a refinement of Sekolah Dokter Djawa. Established by the Dutch East Indies government, STOVIA aimed to produce doctors capable of serving communities across the archipelago. Despite graduating with the title of a doctor, STOVIA alumni were initially limited to being assistants to Dutch doctors. They were often assigned to remote areas to care for plantation workers.
The curriculum at STOVIA mirrored that of medical schools in the Netherlands, ensuring the graduates’ qualifications were on par with their Dutch counterparts. However, societal recognition was still lacking, prompting many STOVIA graduates to pursue further education in the Netherlands.
STOVIA’s Transition
Originally open to indigenous male students under a scholarship bond, STOVIA eventually became a fee-based institution open to all. The building that once housed STOVIA and its students, serving as both a school and dormitory, is now the Museum Kebangkitan Nasional located at Jalan Abdul Rachman Saleh No. 26, Senen, Central Jakarta.
The Legacy Lives On
As time progressed, the original STOVIA building was deemed inadequate for medical education, leading to the construction of a new facility in Salemba in 1919, known as Centrale Burgerlijke Ziekeninrichting (now Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital). On July 5, 1920, all educational activities at STOVIA officially moved to Salemba, now renowned as the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Indonesia.
The grandeur of STOVIA’s legacy endures through the walls of the Museum Kebangkitan Nasional, where each artifact tells a tale of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of knowledge. The journey through Senen unveils not only the history of STOVIA but also the intricate threads that weave the cultural fabric of Indonesia.
Conclusion
In the heart of Jakarta, STOVIA’s story beckons travelers and history enthusiasts alike. As you explore the remnants of this pioneering institution, consider the profound impact it had on Indonesia’s medical landscape. Whether you’re a curious traveler, a passionate historian, or someone seeking a deeper connection with Indonesia’s past, the streets of Senen and the Museum Kebangkitan Nasional offer a captivating journey through time.
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