Abdurrahman Wahid
Indonesian politician, 4th President of Indonesia
Abdurrahman Wahid Rank
About Abdurrahman Wahid
The ex-President of Indonesia was popularly known as Gus Dur. As an Islamic leader, he was very influential in promoting tolerance among ethnic and religious groups. He was a strong proponent of democracy. First elected in 1999, his term as president of the Southeast Asian country ended in 2001.
Background
He came from a prominent family in the East Java Muslim Community. Wahid was the eldest of five children. His father, Wahid Hasyim, was a politician and became Indonesia’s first Minister of Religious Affairs. While schooling, Wahid started working as a teacher and later a journalist.
Education
He studied at Al Azhar University in Egypt in 1963, and the Higher Institute for Islamic and Arabic Studies in 1965.
As a journalist, Wahid quickly earned a reputation as a social commentator. It wasn’t until the early 1980s that he ventured into politics, eventually being elected as president in 1999.
As President
His Presidency saw the introduction of various reforms, especially in religion and education. He worked hard to resolve problems that undermined Indonesia structurally and economically. For instance, he held peace talks with rebel forces in Aceh.
Unfortunately, he was impeached in 2001 after allegations of corruption, as well as economic and political instabilities.
Personal Life
He was married to Sinta Nuriyah from 1968 until his death in 2009. The former president passed away from complications due to diabetes, kidney and heart disorders.
Honors
He received the Magsaysay Award for his efforts in promoting peace inter-religiously.
Wahid was awarded honorary doctorates by a number of universities, including Soka Gakkai University in Japan, Thammasat University in Thailand, and Netanya University in Israel.
Trivia
The fourth president of Indonesia had visual impairment due to glaucoma and as of 2022, he is the only Indonesian president to have had any physical disabilities.
Abdurrahman Wahid Rank
F.A.Q. about Abdurrahman Wahid
When is his birthday?
Abdurrahman Wahid's birthday is on September 7, 1940.
In how many days is his birthday?
Abdurrahman's birthday is in 143 days
How old was Abdurrahman when he died?
He was 69 years old.
When did he die?
He died in December 30, 2009.
How old would he be today?
Abdurrahman Wahid would be 83 years old if he was alive today.
Where was Abdurrahman from?
He was born in Jombang, East Java, Dutch East Indies.