Sukarno (sōkärˈnō) [key], 1901–70, Indonesian statesman, first
president of Indonesia. A leader of the radical nationalist
movement founded in 1927, he was jailed and exiled by the Dutch
at various times in the 1930s. During World War II, Sukarno
cooperated with the Japanese when Indonesia was occupied by
them, while still continuing his agitation for Indonesian
independence. After the war he and Mohammad Hatta played a
crucial part in the establishment (Aug., 1945) of the Republic
of Indonesia. In the 1950s, Sukarno attempted to consolidate his
multi-island nation. He established (1956) a "guided democracy,"
with a cabinet that represented all political parties. Regional
and factional problems, however, led him, in July, 1959, to
dissolve the constituent assembly and assume full dictatorial
powers. In 1962, Sukarno ordered sporadic raids on Dutch New
Guinea, intensifying a conflict that resulted in UN
intervention; his action, however, brought Dutch New Guinea
under Indonesian administration in May, 1963. Su