Soekarno

Soekarno was an Indonesian politician who played a significant role in the country's struggle for independence. He served as the country's first president from 1945 to 1967, succeeding the country's first president Sutan Sjahrir on 18 August 1945.

Soekarno was born on 6 June 1901 in Blitar, East Java, as the youngest child of Haji Abdul Kaffar Soekarno and Ida Ayu Nyoman Rai. He obtained a law degree from the Rechts en bestuursacademie (Law and Administration Academy) in Bandung but did not pass the final exam. Without a title but with his natural charisma and leadership quality, he later dropped his title.

During the occupation of the Netherlands, Soekarno lost his eldest son by adoption, Radjiman Wediodiningrat, just as he was enjoying a new life after being exiled on the island of Flores. He was released from prison in 1921 due to available bail, for being the leader of the Indonesian nationalist organization. During the Japanese occupation, he became even more skilled in manipulating the Japanese to aid with Indonesia's independence.

Soekarno was of important help in securing Indonesian sovereignty and played a central role at the Indonesian National Party (PNI) but his style of leadership and tendency to blockade cross-party unity at times hindered his associations with other nationalist groups and power-hungry ministers.