Abdurrahman Wahid

Date of Birth: September 7, 1940

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: December 30, 2009

Biography

Abdurrahman Wahid, affectionately known as Gus Dur, was an influential Indonesian Muslim cleric and politician who served as the fourth President of Indonesia from 1999 to 2001. He was born into a prominent family of scholars on September 7, 1940, in Jombang, East Java. Gus Dur was the son of Wahid Hasyim, Indonesia’s first Minister of Religious Affairs, and the grandson of Hasyim Asy’ari, the founder of Nahdlatul Ulama, a significant Islamic organization in Indonesia. Gus Dur pursued his education in religious studies in Indonesia and later in Egypt and Iraq. His early career was marked by his commitment to Islamic education and his involvement in the Nahdlatul Ulama, where he eventually became the Chairman. His leadership was characterized by his progressive views on Islam and his advocacy for democracy and human rights. In 1999, following the fall of the Suharto regime, Wahid was elected President of Indonesia by the People’s Consultative Assembly. His tenure as President was noted for his efforts to address corruption, promote pluralism, and reconcile Indonesia’s diverse ethnic and religious groups. However, his presidency faced significant political challenges, leading to his impeachment in 2001. After his presidency, Gus Dur continued to be an influential figure in Indonesian politics and society until his death on December 30, 2009.

5 Interesting Facts about Abdurrahman Wahid

1. Gus Dur was nearly blind for most of his life due to glaucoma and diabetes complications.

2. He was a polyglot, fluent in several languages, including Arabic, English, Dutch, and French.

3. Gus Dur was a staunch advocate for minority rights, including the rights of Chinese Indonesians and religious minorities.

4. He was known for his sense of humor and often used jokes to convey serious political messages.

5. Despite being impeached, Gus Dur remained a respected figure in Indonesia for his commitment to democracy and human rights.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Abdurrahman Wahid

1. “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”

2. “Democracy does not mean simply having a choice between alternatives. Democracy means having a meaningful choice.”

3. “True Islam is a religion that brings peace and tolerance.”

4. “The strength of a nation lies in its unity, not in its uniformity.”

5. “Power is not about the ability to control others but the ability to empower others.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Abdurrahman Wahid’s net worth was estimated to be modest, as he was more focused on public service and religious duties rather than accumulating personal wealth.

Children

Abdurrahman Wahid had four daughters: Alissa Qotrunnada Munawaroh, Zannuba Ariffah Chafsoh (Yenny Wahid), Annita Hayatunnufus, and Inayah Wulandari. His daughters have been involved in various social, political, and cultural activities in Indonesia, continuing his legacy of advocating for democracy and human rights.