STOVIA

COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM Leerlingen van de School tot Opleiding van Indische Artsen (STOVIA) Doctor Jawa TMnr 60047128

COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM Groepsportret bij het gebouw van de Stovia TMnr 60013943

STOVIA (School tot Opleiding van Indische Artsen), or the School for the Training of Native Physicians, was an institution established in Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) in 1851. It was founded by the Dutch colonial government to educate local Indonesians in Western medicine, aiming to fulfill the need for medical professionals in the colony. STOVIA played a crucial role in the development of medical education and healthcare in Indonesia and is considered a precursor to the modern University of Indonesia's Faculty of Medicine.

History

STOVIA was established in Batavia, now known as Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. The school was part of the Dutch colonial administration's efforts to improve healthcare services in the colony by training local inhabitants to become physicians. Before the establishment of STOVIA, the Dutch East Indies relied heavily on military doctors and a limited number of civilian doctors, most of whom were Europeans.

The curriculum at STOVIA included both theoretical and practical training in various aspects of medicine, including surgery, obstetrics, and internal medicine. The language of instruction was initially Dutch, which limited access to the institution for many locals. However, over time, the school began to admit more Indonesian students, and the language of instruction shifted to include Malay, making it more accessible.

STOVIA was not just a medical school; it also symbolized the beginning of a more systematic approach to healthcare in Indonesia. Graduates from STOVIA were among the first locally trained medical professionals in the Dutch East Indies, playing a significant role in the healthcare system of the colony and later, the independent nation of Indonesia.

Legacy

The legacy of STOVIA is significant in the history of Indonesian medicine. It marked the start of higher education for Indonesians in the field of medicine, paving the way for the establishment of more advanced medical training institutions. After Indonesia gained independence, the institution underwent several transformations and eventually became part of the University of Indonesia, one of the country's premier institutions for medical education.

STOVIA also contributed to the rise of the Indonesian nationalist movement. The school was a gathering place for educated Indonesians who began to question colonial rule and advocate for independence. Many STOVIA alumni were involved in the struggle for Indonesian independence and later served in various capacities in the newly formed government's healthcare sector.

Notable Alumni

Several notable alumni from STOVIA have made significant contributions to Indonesian society, both in the medical field and in the broader context of national development. These include:

- Dr. Tjipto Mangoenkoesoemo, a physician and prominent nationalist leader. - Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo, a physician and one of the founders of Muhammadiyah, a major Islamic organization in Indonesia.

Conclusion

STOVIA stands as a testament to the early efforts to establish a local medical profession in Indonesia. It played a critical role in the development of medical education and healthcare in the country, contributing to the foundation upon which Indonesia's modern healthcare system is built. The institution's legacy continues to influence the field of medicine in Indonesia and serves as a reminder of the importance of education in national development.