Yesterday we were very honoured to receive the grandson and son-in-law of Mohammed Hatta on our campus. This visit was initiated with the help of emiritus professor Wim Lammerts van Bueren. The son-in-law is professor Sri-Edi-Swasono, who teaches economics at the University of Indonesia. The grandson was Tansri Zulfikar Yusuf Swasono. As the Hatta building is named after their relative, they wanted to see Hatta's legacy. These special guests received a tour from Erasmus School of Economics Alumni Director Charles Hermans. During this tour, they also saw Tinbergen's desk, who was a teacher of Sri-Edi.
Mohammed Hatta studied from 1921 till 1932 at the predecessor of Erasmus School of Economics- the Nederlandse Economische Hogeschool. During his studies he has been imprisoned for his critical attitude against the Netherlands in Indonesia. When Hatta came back in Indonesia (Nederlands-Indië), he became a prominent nationalistic leader. He was one of the main figures responsible for the independence of Indonesia.
To honour Mohammed Hatta, the university has named the Hatta building after him. The Hatta building houses 372 Dutch and international students.
- More information
More information on Mohammed Hatta and the Hatta building can be found here. Charles Hermans provides tours to alumni on a regular basis. If you would like to come back to our campus, please contact us via hermans@ese.eur.nl.
