Tuan Rondahaim Saragih

Tuan Rondahaim Saragih, a figure from North Sumatra who was given the title of Hero by President Prabowo today 10 November 2025

Tuan Rondahaim Saragih was born in 1828 in Simalungun region. He is a descendant of the Batak aristocrat and led the Simalungun Kingdom as the 14th king in the 19th century. His honorary title, “Namabajan”, reflects his role as a respected diplomatic leader and cultural figure.

ng, 14th King of the Kingdom of Simalungun, North Sumatra.

This decision was set through Decision of the President of the Republic of Indonesia Number 116/TK Year 2025 under the government of President Prabowo Subianto. This designation makes Rondahaim the first national hero of Simalungun, North Sumatra, and symbolizing the struggle of the local people in maintaining the sovereignty and unity of the nations in the colonial era.

From a young age, Rondahaim was known as a visionary leader who fought for unity among the Batak empires that were often divided due to customs and regional conflicts. He fused traditional knowledge, politics, and traditional war strategies into the basis of the fight against Dutch colonialism.

Thanks to his cleverness in guerrilla tactics, the people of Simalungun nicknamed him as “Napoleon-nya Orang Batak”, because he is able to fight Dutch troops with simple equipment but mature strategy.

During Dutch colonial times, the region of North Sumatra was the target of the expansion of colonial government and VOC. The Netherlands is applying the “devide et impera” strategy or divisive politics to control local governments.

Seeing this threat, Rondahaim is leading a massive fight to defend the sovereignty of the Batland. He mobilized troops and established diplomacy with kings in Simalungun province such as Raja Siantar, Bandar, Sidamanik, Java Land, Pane, Raya, Purba, Silimakuta, and Dolok Silau.

He initiated secret meetings between governments, united traditional forces, and built a joint front against Dutch occupation. This strategy not only strengthens local defenses, but also prevents disunity among indigenous empires.

As a strategist, Rondahaim leads guerrilla strikes in the forests of Simalungun mountains. He uses local knowledge to carry out sudden ambushes, cut enemy logistics, and protect citizens from forced taxes and robbery.

Rondahaim’s resistance even extended to East Sumatra and Aceh, he coordinated with other fighters to disrupt Dutch colonial domination. With limited armament, he used hit-and-run tactics that inflicted huge losses for the Dutch without many casualties on the people’s side.

Besides the physical struggle, Rondahaim also instilled the spirit of early nationalism to the Batak people. Under his rule, the Kingdom became the only kingdom in North Sumatra that was not Colonially conquered.

10 National Heroes Figures Set for 2025:

– Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur) – East Java

– General General of TNI Soeharto – Central Java

– Marsinah – East Java

– Mochtar Kusumaatmaja – West Java

– Hajj Rahma El Yunusiyyah – West Sumatra

– General (Purn) Sarwo Edhie Wibowo – Central Java

– Sultan Muhammad Salahuddin – South-East Nusa

– Syaikhona Muhammad Kholil – East Java

– Mr. Rondahaim Saragih Garingging – North Sumatra

– Zainal Abisin Syah – North Maluku

The ceremony was also attended by the families of the heroes and area representatives. This award becomes an important momentum in reinforcing the values of nationalism and respect for the struggles of local figures across Indonesia.