Sukarno

Sukarno, with Mohammad Hatta, proclaimed Indonesia's independence from Dutch colonial rule. This declaration sparked the Indonesian National Revolution, a four-year struggle against Dutch reoccupation.

Sukarno hosted the Bandung Conference, bringing together 29 Asian and African nations. The conference promoted non-alignment and anti-colonialism, leading to the formation of the Non-Aligned Movement.

Sukarno dissolved the Constituent Assembly and reinstated the 1945 constitution, establishing 'Guided Democracy'. This centralized power in the presidency, curtailed parliamentary democracy, and increased military influence.

Sukarno launched a policy of 'Konfrontasi' against the formation of Malaysia, which he viewed as a neo-colonial project. This led to a three-year undeclared war involving guerrilla raids and diplomatic tensions with Britain and Malaysia.

An abortive coup by leftist military officers led to a violent anti-communist purge. Sukarno's authority was undermined, and General Suharto gradually seized power, forcing Sukarno to transfer executive authority in 1966 and placing him under house arrest.