History of Sukarno

Sukarno, born Kusno Sosro Karno on June 6, 1901, in Surabaya, East Java, was a central figure in Indonesia's struggle for independence from Dutch colonial rule and became the country's first President. His political career was marked by a dynamic and often controversial blend of nationalism, socialism, and a unique approach to international diplomacy.

Sukarno's early life was shaped by the currents of Indonesian nationalism that were beginning to stir in the early 20th century. His father was a Javanese schoolteacher, and his mother came from a well-connected Balinese Brahmin family, providing him with a unique perspective on both Javanese and Balinese culture. He attended a Dutch primary school, before going on to higher education at a technical high school in Surabaya where he was mentored by nationalist politician H.O.S. Tjokroaminoto. It was here that Sukarno was first exposed to political activism and revolutionary ideas.

In the 1920s, Sukarno moved to Bandung and enrolled in the Bandung Institute of Technology, where he studied civil engineering. During this period, he also immersed himself in the political movements of the day, joining and founding several organizations. The most significant was the Indonesian National Party (Partai Nasional Indonesia, PNI) which he established in 1927. The PNI promoted independence through non-cooperation with the Dutch and sought to unite Indonesia's many ethnicities and religions within a single, nationalist identity.

Sukarno’s charismatic leadership and eloquent oratory made him a prominent voice against colonial rule. Consequently, he attracted the attention of the Dutch authorities and was arrested several times during the late 1920s and 1930s. Despite constant surveillance and imprisonment, his influence continued to grow, helped in part by his writings that circulated among nationalist groups. His trial speeches, particularly, resonated with the Indonesian public, elevating him to the status of a national hero.

The outbreak of World War II and the subsequent occupation of Indonesia by Japan in 1942 marked a significant turning point for Sukarno and the Indonesian independence movement. Viewed as anti-Dutch, Sukarno and other nationalists found themselves in a position to negotiate with the Japanese occupiers. While controversial due to his collaboration with the Japanese, Sukarno leveraged this relationship to further the cause of Indonesian independence. He was involved in mobilizing labor and resources for Japan's war effort in exchange for increased political freedom for Indonesians.

Towards the end of the war, as Japan faced defeat, Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta seized the opportunity to declare Indonesia's independence on August 17, 1945. This bold move set off a complex series of events, as the Dutch sought to re-establish control over Indonesia. Sukarno became President of the new Republic of Indonesia, but the fight for independence would last until 1949 when the Netherlands formally recognized Indonesian sovereignty after multifaceted international pressure, armed struggle, and negotiations.

As President, Sukarno initially governed via a parliamentary system but soon grew disillusioned with its inefficiency and factionalism. By the late 1950s, he had consolidated power and introduced the concept of "Guided Democracy," which aimed to bring stability by reducing the influence of political parties. He established himself as a president for life through constitutional changes and ruled by decree, supported by the military and communist factions. However, this approach also led to increased authoritarianism and suppression of dissent.

Sukarno's foreign policy was equally ambitious, aligned with his vision of Indonesia as a leading force in the Third World and newly emergent post-colonial states. He was instrumental in organizing the Bandung Conference in 1955, which was a significant event in the Non-Aligned Movement, a grouping of states not formally aligned with any major power bloc.

The 1960s however saw Indonesia moving into political and economic turmoil. Sukarno’s flirtations with communist China and the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) alarmed the military and the political right. Economic mismanagement led to hyperinflation and public discontent. Tensions reached a peak with the failed coup attempt in 1965, allegedly orchestrated by the PKI, leading to widespread anti-communist purge [known as the Indonesian killings]. In the political chaos that followed, General Suharto began to assume control, marginalizing Sukarno.

By 1967, Sukarno was forced to transfer his executive powers to Suharto, marking the beginning of the New Order era. In 1970, Sukarno died under house arrest. Despite his fall from power, many of his ideas and aspirations for Indonesia remained influential in its political development. Sukarno was remembered for his passionate nationalism, his efforts to unite Indonesia's diverse cultures, and his role in securing Indonesian independence. His legacy is mixed, with critics citing his authoritarian tendencies and economic failures, while supporters highlight his vision for a modern, independent Indonesia that plays a significant role on the global stage.