Soekarno was born in Surabaya, East Java, on June 6, 1901. He was the son of Raden Soekemi Sosrodihardjo, a teacher, and Ida Ayu Nyoman Rai, a Balinese noblewoman. Soekarno had a childhood name of Koesno.
Soekarno grew up in an environment rich in Javanese and Balinese culture. He also received a Western education, from elementary school to high school. After graduating from high school, Soekarno continued his education at the Technische Hoogeschool te Bandoeng (now Bandung Institute of Technology). Soekarno began to be active in the national movement from a young age. He joined the Jong Java organization and became one of its leaders. He was also active in writing for various media outlets, including the magazines Poedjangga Baroe and Sinar Hindia. In 1927, Soekarno founded the Partai Nasional Indonesia (PNI). The PNI became the first political party in Indonesia to advocate for independence in a clear way. Soekarno was arrested by the Dutch colonial government in 1929 and imprisoned for four years.
After being released from prison, Soekarno remained active in the struggle for independence. He led the PNI in various mass actions, including demonstrations and strikes. In 1933, Soekarno was arrested again by the Dutch colonial government and exiled to Ende, Flores. Soekarno was exiled to various places by the Dutch colonial government, including to Bengkulu and Sukabumi. During his exile, Soekarno continued to write and create. He also composed speeches that later became famous, such as "Indonesia Menggugat" and "Pancasila". Soekarno was released from exile in 1942, after Japan surrendered to the Allies. On August 17, 1945, Soekarno and Mohammad Hatta proclaimed the independence of Indonesia. Soekarno then became the first president of the Republic of Indonesia. Soekarno led Indonesia for 27 years, from 1945 to 1966. During his presidency, Soekarno successfully led Indonesia to become an independent and sovereign nation. He also succeeded in uniting the various ethnic groups in Indonesia into one nation. Soekarno was removed from office in 1966, after the events of the G30S/PKI. He died in Jakarta on June 27, 1970, at the age of 69. Soekarno's works had a profound impact on the struggle for Indonesian independence. His works also became a source of inspiration for the leaders of the Indonesian nation. Soekarno was a charismatic and visionary leader. He left a very valuable legacy for Indonesia, namely:
- The Independence of Indonesia
- The Unity of Indonesia
- The Pancasila
Soekarno is one of the most important figures in Indonesian history. He is a figure who has made great contributions in the struggle for independence and in uniting the Indonesian nation.