The story of Mohammad Hatta and Bally Shoes

For the people of Indonesia, the name Mohammad Hatta is very well known. His story has been written in many history textbooks for children in school, even popular biographies that contain him, about his leadership, about his dedication as the proclamator of the Republic of Indonesia and the vice president of Indonesia at that time. 

However, perhaps the media did not discuss a very modest side of his life, both before and after serving as Indonesia’s first vice president. 

Several years after he became vice president, namely in the 1950s, in Indonesia there was a high quality shoe brand called Bally, which he really liked. 

When Bally’s shoes and shop location appeared in an advertisement in the newspaper, he immediately cut them out and put them away. 

At that time he did not buy it right away because the price was not cheap and there were not enough funds at that time. 

Unfortunately, until the end of his life he never bought the shoes. Not because there is no money, but because the money that available he uses it for household needs and even to help relatives who need help. 

Mohammad Hatta could have thought that he was someone in a high position who had the right to use his money to buy those relatively expensive Bally shoes. But his modest life principle and noble heart made him choose to use the money for someone else who was more in need.

What an example of self-denial from one of the great figures of the Indonesian nation! 

2 principles of life that we can learn from this story that have also been written in the Bible are

1. Simplicity

“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”

Luke 12:15

“Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.”

Proverbs 15:16

2. Care for others

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”

Philippians 2:3-4

May we who claim to be followers of Christ also have the principles of life that have been written in His Word and our lives can be witnesses of Christ wherever we are. 

Good morning and God bless.