Sukarno

Sukarno (1901–70), first president of independent Indonesia (1945–65). A leader of the independence movement from 1927, he was instrumental in creating the republic in 1945. His flamboyant rule turned dictatorial in 1959 and in 1963 he proclaimed himself president for life. In 1965 an attempted coup by the Communist Party, which had been his ally, was crushed by Gen. Suharto who assumed de facto power from Sukarno, formally removing him from the presidency in 1966. Sukarno was placed under house arrest until his death.

See also: Indonesia.