Arudji Kartawinata

Arudji Kartawinata (5 May 1905 – 13 July 1970) was an Indonesian politician and military officer. During the Indonesian National Revolution, he was the first commander of the 3rd Division, predecessor to the modern Siliwangi Division. Politically, he was initially a member of Masyumi before later re-forming the Indonesian Islamic Union Party. He served as the chairman of the People's Representative Council for three years between 1963 and 1966.

Early life and career Kartawinata was born in Garut on 5 May 1905, being of Sundanese descent. After completing his studies at a HIS (elementary school level) and a MULO (junior high school level), he became a teacher and later principal of a Sarekat Islam (SI) elementary school in Garut. During his time in Garut, he published the newspaper Balatentara Islam, which covered the activities of the SI. He was also involved in nationalist activities.

Following the proclamation of Indonesian independence, Kartawinata became the People's Security Agency (BKR) commander in the Priangan region, and he later was appointed as commander of the 3rd Division of the newly formed People's Security Army (TKR), covering the same area. In the Dwikora Cabinet, constituted in October 1965, Kartawinata served as Chairman of the "Gotong-Rojong" Parliament (DPRGR) following the death of its previous chair Zainul Arifin on 2 March 1963. He held this post between 1963 and February 1966. Afterwards, he served two years as a regular member of parliament until he was appointed to the Dewan Pertimbangan Agung (Supreme Advisory Council) in February 1968, a position he held until his death.

Death Kartawinata died on 13 July 1970 in Jakarta due to encephalitis. He was buried at the Kalibata Heroes' Cemetery.