Thamrin’s contribution in Jakarta’s football scene was invaluable. At that time, VIJ always encountered difficulty holding matches. Many fields in the villages of Batavia were not suitable for competitions. VIJ management reported this situation to Thamrin. He then donated 2,000 guilders (gulden) to build a proper field at Laan Trivelli (Tanah Abang II St., Central Jakarta). The place has now turned into a residential area.
“At that time, 1 guilder could buy 7 kilograms of sugar. If converted to rupiah, maybe it is about Rp170 million rupiah,” explained Afif, a research historian who studied MH Thamrin.
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It was on this field that Thamrin invited Sukarno – after he was released from Sukamiskin prison – to open the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) competition on May 16, 1932. Shortly after Sukarno, Bandung. After that, Thamrin pioneered a proper stadium for Jakarta in 1936. It was named Pulo Piun (now Petojo Field). (rr)