Inspirasi kebangsaan dari ruang kelas

The book is highly praised for its insightful exploration of three pre-independence educational pioneers whose visions remarkably transcended their eras. It effectively highlights the shared principles of self-reliance, independence, and human dignity that connect the work of Willem Iskander, Ki Hajar Dewantara, and Engku Muhammad Syafei across different centuries. Reviewers commend Iskander's pioneering efforts in promoting formal education for girls against societal norms and his innovative approach to teaching exact sciences in local languages, while also using literature to foster national consciousness. The book also covers Dewantara's establishment of culturally-rooted national education and Syafei's practical, hands-on educational methods that integrated arts and sports. The journalistic style is noted for its engaging and accessible nature, making the historical and factual content enjoyable to read, and the author's dedicated research to reintroduce these forgotten figures is highly appreciated.

While generally well-received for its accessible style, some reviewers noted that the book's content, despite its factual and historical depth, occasionally features statements and descriptions that appear either verbatim or repetitive. This aspect, while not detracting significantly from the overall enjoyment for many, suggests that the book might not offer the densest or most in-depth academic analysis for readers seeking highly specialized content.

Overall, the book is considered a compelling and valuable contribution, successfully revitalizing the memory and legacy of these crucial educational figures. It is highly recommended for its ability to offer profound lessons relevant to contemporary educational challenges, making it a timely read. This book would particularly appeal to readers interested in exploring the foundational ideas and historical struggles of education in Indonesia, especially those who appreciate a light, popular journalistic approach to historical topics and inspiring biographical accounts.