FIFTY years after his death, Sekarmadji Maridjan Kartosoewirjo continues to inspire groups who dream of an ‘Islamic State’ in this country—both by peaceful and violent means. Ironically, the Kartosoewirjo family was classified as gentry, feudal and not a strict follower of Islam. His youth was not spent in religious education but in colonial Dutch schools. ...

Sutan Sjahrir was one of the seven Fathers of Indonesian Revolution. He urged Sukarno and Hatta to declare Indonesian independence although he himself was not present on the big day. He chose an elegant way to drive the Dutch out of Indonesia, a way which was opposed by the other Fathers of Indonesian Revolution. His anti-fascist, anti-military ideology was criticized ...