KBRN, Jakarta: President Prabowo Subianto, who is a Muslim, stated that he was born to a Christian mother, Dora Marie Sigar Djojohadikusumo, who was born in Manado, North Sulawesi, on September 21, 1921, as quoted from rri.co.id.

Dora hailed from a prominent Minahasa family with both Minahasan and German ancestry. Her upbringing was deeply rooted in education and social activism, shaping her character significantly.

She was the daughter of Philip Frederik Laurens Sigar, a government official in Manado, who also served as a member of the Volksraad, the colonial Dutch parliament.

Recognizing her daughter's intelligence, Philip sent young Dora to the Netherlands to pursue her studies. In the Netherlands, she attended the Christelijk Hogere Burger School in Utrecht.

Dora furthered her education by specializing in post-surgical nursing at a prestigious Dutch university. While in the Netherlands, she was also actively involved in student politics. It was through her involvement in student activities that she met Sumitro Djojohadikusumo.

Sumitro, who was undergoing treatment in the Netherlands then, was cared for by Dora. Despite their different religious beliefs – Sumitro was Muslim and Dora was Christian – they fell in love and married amidst the tumultuous political climate following Indonesia's independence.

Dora played a pivotal role in supporting Sumitro's career as an economist and politician. She was the backbone of their family and ensured that their children received a good education.

Sumitro and Dora had four children: Biantiningsih Miderawati, Marjani Ekowati, Prabowo Subianto, and Hashim Sujono. Dora raised her children with discipline and instilled in them a deep respect for diversity. The Sumitro-Dora family grew up in a household where different faiths and cultures coexisted harmoniously.

Dora Marie Sigar passed away on December 23, 2008, at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore at the age of 87. ***