Mohammad Hatta

Indonesia's struggle for independence is typically identified with one larger-than-life figure: the irrepressible Sukarno — proud, charismatic, a firebrand orator, but also capricious and wont to personal mood shifts that would jostle the country. While Sukarno was the flamboyant face of the fight to liberate Indonesia from Dutch rule, he was only one-half of a tandem that was a study in contrasts. Sukarno's cohort was Mohammad Hatta, studiously humble, deeply Muslim yet open to all faiths, and unfailingly direct. Indonesians may worship Sukarno, Indonesia's first President, but they love his former deputy Hatta, not just for what he did for his...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!