Sukarno

Date of Birth: June 6, 1901

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: June 21, 1970

Biography

Sukarno, born Kusno Sosrodihardjo on June 6, 1901, in Surabaya, East Java, was the first President of Indonesia, serving from 1945 to 1967. He was a prominent leader in the Indonesian struggle for independence from Dutch colonial rule. An intelligent and charismatic orator, Sukarno played a pivotal role in the nation’s formative years, articulating the vision of a united, independent Indonesia. He founded the Indonesian National Party (PNI) in 1927 and was deeply involved in resistance activities against colonialism. During World War II, Sukarno collaborated with the Japanese occupiers who promised independence to garner local support. On August 17, 1945, Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta proclaimed Indonesia’s independence. He became the nation’s first president and focused on nation-building, promoting a state ideology known as Pancasila, which emphasized belief in God, humanitarianism, national unity, democracy, and social justice. Sukarno’s presidency was marked by significant political and social changes, including land reforms and the establishment of a guided democracy. However, his tenure was also plagued by economic difficulties, political instability, and increasing influence of the Communist Party of Indonesia (PKI). By 1965, political tensions escalated, culminating in an attempted coup that led to widespread anti-communist purges. General Suharto rose to power, and Sukarno was gradually stripped of his authority. He was placed under house arrest in 1967 and officially resigned from the presidency in 1968. Sukarno passed away on June 21, 1970, in Jakarta. Despite the controversies surrounding his rule, he remains a revered figure in Indonesian history for his role in the nation’s independence and his vision of a united Indonesia.

5 Interesting Facts about Sukarno

1. Sukarno was an accomplished architect and designed several important buildings in Indonesia, including the Great Mosque of Istiqlal.

2. He was multilingual, fluent in several languages including Dutch, English, German, French, Arabic, and Japanese.

3. Sukarno was imprisoned multiple times by the Dutch colonial authorities for his nationalist activities.

4. He married multiple times and had several wives simultaneously due to his belief in polygamy.

5. Sukarno was known for his charismatic public speaking abilities, which earned him a vast following and significant political influence.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Sukarno

1. “Independence can only be obtained and secured by a nation that has its spirit raging with determination: independence or death!”

2. “The great world is not a place for small souls.”

3. “To build a free nation, we must first build free men.”

4. “Nationalism cannot flower if it does not grow in the garden of internationalism.”

5. “The foundation of our state is the belief in one supreme God.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Sukarno’s net worth is not well-documented, but as a national leader in a newly independent country, his wealth was not substantial compared to modern standards of presidential wealth.

Children

Sukarno had eight children from his various marriages: 1. Guntur Sukarnoputra 2. Megawati Sukarnoputri (who later became the fifth President of Indonesia) 3. Rachmawati Sukarnoputri 4. Sukmawati Sukarnoputri 5. Guruh Sukarnoputra 6. Taufan Sukarnoputra 7. Bayu Sukarnoputra 8. Kartika Sari Dewi Sukarno