Famous Indonesian People

Sukarno was an Indonesian politician who played a major role in the Indonesian struggle for independence. An important leader of the country's nationalist movement, Sukarno declared Indonesian independence from the Dutch Empire and became Indonesia's first president in 1945. He was successful in resisting Dutch re-colonization efforts and went on to serve as the Indonesian president until 1967.

Indonesian actor and martial art expert Joe Taslim is best known for his appearances in the films The Raid: Redemption and Fast and Furious 6. He was previously part of the Indonesian national judo team and had won several championships. He has also played Li Yong in the series Warrior.

B. J. Habibie was an Indonesian politician best remembered for his service as the President of Indonesia from 21 May 1998 to 20 October 1999. An important political figure, Habibie also served as the Vice President of Indonesia in 1998. From 1978 to 1998, he served as the Minister of Research and Technology.

Agnez Mo is an Indonesian actress, singer-songwriter, dancer, and performer. With more than 190 awards under her belt, Agnez Mo is the most decorated artist in Indonesian history. Her impressive award list includes 18 AMI Awards, five Nickelodeon Indonesia Kids’ Choice Awards, eight Panasonic Awards, two Mnet Asian Music Awards, and four MTV Indonesia Awards.

Grandson of the founder of the Nahdatul Ulama, Abdurrahman Wahid shunned the orthodox education at his university in Cairo and immersed himself in American movies, football, and Marxism. The former Indonesian president was a Magsaysay Award winner and is remembered for promoting peace, education, and social development.

Gajah Mada was a military leader best remembered for his service as the Mahapatih of the Majapahit Empire from 1331 to 1364. He is said to have played an important role in bringing the empire to the peak of its glory. Today, Gajah Mada is widely regarded as a national hero and a symbol of patriotism in Indonesia.

The governor of Jakarta, Anies Baswedan is also a seasoned academician, who has been the rector of Paramadina University and one of the youngest to hold that position. He has also been Indonesia’s minister of education and culture. He launched the Teaching Indonesia Movement, which unites the youth to contribute to education.

Maya Soetoro-Ng is the maternal half-sister of former American President Barack Obama. She is currently working as a consultant for the Obama Foundation and is credited with working towards the development of the Asia-Pacific Leaders Program. She is also credited with co-founding nonprofit organizations, such as Institute for Climate and Peace and The Peace Studio.

Indonesian author Pramoedya Ananta Toer started his career as a typist in his teens. He penned his first novel in a Dutch prison camp, after being imprisoned for his revolutionary activities. Best known for his work the Buru Quartet, he later became a poster child for freedom of expression and human rights.

Indonesian-born Laura Gemser moved to the Netherlands with her parents at age 4. After beginning her career as a nude model for men’s magazines, she later soared to fame with her appearances in the Black Emanuelle sexploitation films. She also created headlines for her romance and then for her marriage to co-star Gabriele Tinti.

Legendary Indonesian military leader Abdul Haris Nasution was a prominent figure in the Indonesian National Revolution. He later served as Indonesia’s defense minister. He supported the rise of President Suharto, was named the Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly, and later became a rival of Suharto.