Nadjamuddin Daeng Malewa

Nadjamuddin Daeng Malewa (EVO: Nadjamoeddin Daeng Malewa; – 5 January 1950) was an Indonesian politician and businessman who served as the first prime minister of the State of East Indonesia (NIT) from January to September 1947. Prior to his premiership, Nadjamuddin briefly served as the mayor of Makassar in 1945 and was active in the Indonesian nationalist movement.

Born in 1907, on the island of Buton, Nadjamuddin received his education in Makassar. During the 1920s and 1930s, he became active in the nationalist movement. In 1931, he led the foundation of the Indonesian Shipping Association which organized shipowners from Sulawesi. During the Japanese occupation (1942–1945), he was appointed to the position of mayor of Makassar. During the Indonesian National Revolution (1945–1949), and after the Denpasar Conference (which he took part in), Nadjamuddin became the Prime Minister of the State of East Indonesia. His premiership ended following charges of Embezzlement, and he was replaced by Semuel Jusof Warouw. Following the end of his term, he was sentenced to prison and he died while on parole.

Early life and career

Nadjamuddin was born in 1907 in Buton, to Bugis parents Abdul Rahim and Hanah Fatimah. He was born at a Bugis village on the island, where his father served as chief and was relatively prominent and wealthy. He spent his school years in Makassar. Nadjamuddin worked as a trader in Makassar. He joined the Celebes Association (Perserikatan Selebes) in Buton during the late 1920s, and he later became chairman of the organization's Makassar branch. Following internal conflict between the members of the organization from North and South Sulawesi, Nadjamuddin took over the southern part and reorganized it into Celebes Party (Partai Selebes). After the return of Dutch forces to Indonesia and the commencement of the Indonesian National Revolution, Nadjamuddin generally collaborated with the Dutch, namely Governor-General Hubertus van Mook on economic issues.