The correct spelling of the former Indonesian president's name is "Achmad Sukarno". In International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), his first name would be transcribed as /ˈaxmad/, with stress on the first syllable. His last name would be transcribed as /suˈkarno/ with stress on the second syllable. Sukarno was a key figure in Indonesia's struggle for independence from colonial rule, and served as the country's first president from 1945 until 1967.
Achmad Sukarno, also known as Sukarno, was an Indonesian politician and the first President of Indonesia. Born on June 6, 1901, in Surabaya, East Java, Sukarno played a crucial role in leading Indonesia to independence from Dutch colonial rule.
Sukarno's political career began in the early 1920s when he joined various nationalist organizations advocating for Indonesia's independence. He became an influential figure and a prominent advocate of a united Indonesian nation, eventually founding the Indonesian National Party (PNI) in 1927. He tirelessly fought for Indonesian independence and always prioritized the interests of the Indonesian people, using his charismatic and persuasive oratory skills to garner support.
After Indonesia declared independence in 1945, Sukarno became the country's first President in 1949. He focused on consolidating national unity, restructuring the economy, and pursuing an independent and non-aligned foreign policy. Sukarno was widely regarded as an embodiment of Indonesian nationalism and is often referred to as the country's founding father.
His presidency, however, was not without controversy. Sukarno's authoritarian rule and practice of centralized power led to political instability, economic decline, and eventually the rise of the army-backed anti-communist movement. Amid mounting tensions, Sukarno was gradually stripped of power by General Suharto, who eventually replaced him as President in 1968.
Despite the later difficulties faced by his presidency, Sukarno's role in leading Indonesia to independence and his unwavering dedication to the Indonesian people remain significant. His legacy as a national hero, advocate of independence, and charismatic leader continues to be celebrated in Indonesia today.
The name "Achmad Sukarno" does not have a specific etymology, as it comprises two separate proper names.
1. "Achmad" is derived from the Arabic name "Ahmad", which means "much praised" or "commendable". It is a common name in various Muslim-majority countries.
2. "Sukarno" is an Indonesian name. The etymology of "Sukarno" is not clear, but it is believed to be a combination of two Javanese words: "su" meaning "good" or "noble", and "karno" which possibly means "birth" or "existence". This interpretation suggests that "Sukarno" could be translated as "good birth" or "noble existence".