Andaryoko `Supriyadi' Wisnuprabu dies aged 89

Suherdjoko ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Semarang   |  Fri, 06/05/2009 1:40 PM  |  The Archipelago

Andaryoko Wisnuprabu, who in August last year claimed to be national hero Supriyadi, who led the pre-independence Peta rebellion in Blitar, passed away at the age of 89 on Wednesday night and was buried in Semarang on Thursday.

Sanata Dharma University historian Baskara T. Wardaya told The Jakarta Post on Thursday that he received the sad news from Andar-yoko's family on Thursday morning.

Baskara authored the 230-page book Seeking Supriyadi, Testimony of the President's Personal Bodyguard, in which Andaryoko's identity as Supriyadi was disclosed.

Andaryoko Wisnuprabu first came forward as "Supriyadi" at the launch of the book at a Gramedia book store in Semarang. Since then, Andaryoko has made headlines for his role as the leader of the Feb. 14, 1945 Peta rebellion.

His assertion shocked the nation. Historians, Supriyadi's family and living Peta veterans were dumbfounded at the revelation, as history books stated the figure vanished right after the Peta rebellion.

To prove he was the genuine Supriyadi, Andaryoko was brought face to face with Supriyadi's family in Blitar, East Java, at the end of last year. Supriyadi's family however, did not recognize Andaryoko as Supriyadi. Still, Andaryoko remained resolute he was the real Supriyadi.

In response to the matter, historian Baskara said that while some believe Andaryoko was who he claimed to be and others do not, the duty of a historian was to gather as many facts as possible.

"We should seek historical facts together. At least with Andaryoko's confessions there are other historical sources on Supriyadi," he said.

Andaryoko welcomed all interested reporters, who met him at his home in Semarang. He often showed old photographs depicting his close rapport with former president Soekarno.

He kept the complete photo collection to support his claim he was Supriyadi, who was involved with a group of youths who served as agents in the lead up to the proclamation of Independence at Jl Pegangsaan Timur No. 56, on Aug. 17, 1945.

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