In this biography
Quick facts
- Born
- 23 January 1947
- Birthplace
- Yogyakarta
- Country
- Indonesia
- Nationality
- Indonesian
- Known for
- Becoming Indonesia’s first woman president and leading the PDI-P
- Office
- President, 2001–2004
- Earlier office
- Vice President, 1999–2001
- Historic first
- First woman president of Indonesia
- Political party
- Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle
Why this life matters
Megawati’s presidency helped consolidate post-Suharto institutions, while her durable party leadership made her a defining figure in democratic Indonesia.
Timeline
Key moments
Entered Parliament
Won election as a member of the Indonesian Democratic Party.
Became party chair
Was elected leader of the PDI and became an opposition focus under Suharto.
Became vice president
Took the vice presidency after the first democratic election of the Reformasi era.
Became president
Succeeded Abdurrahman Wahid after his removal by the national legislature.
Completed her presidency
Lost Indonesia’s first direct presidential election to Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
A name that became an opposition symbol
The daughter of Sukarno, Megawati entered politics in the late New Order. Her election as leader of the Indonesian Democratic Party attracted voters dissatisfied with Suharto, while government efforts to displace her strengthened her status as an opposition figure.
From vice president to president
After Suharto’s fall, Megawati’s PDI-P won the largest share of votes in 1999, although Parliament selected Abdurrahman Wahid as president. She became vice president, then president in 2001 when Wahid was removed from office.
Institutional consolidation
Her administration operated during a difficult democratic transition, separatist conflicts and the aftermath of the 2002 Bali bombings. It created the Corruption Eradication Commission through legislation and advanced direct presidential elections, although critics questioned the pace of reform and economic change.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions about Megawati Sukarnoputri
- Who is Megawati Sukarnoputri?
- Megawati Sukarnoputri is a fifth President of Indonesia. Megawati’s presidency helped consolidate post-Suharto institutions, while her durable party leadership made her a defining figure in democratic Indonesia.
- What is Megawati Sukarnoputri best known for?
- Megawati Sukarnoputri is best known for becoming Indonesia’s first woman president and leading the PDI-P.
- When and where was Megawati Sukarnoputri born?
- Megawati Sukarnoputri was born on 23 January 1947 in Yogyakarta.
Sources and further reading
How this biography was checked
Core dates and offices are checked against the sources below. This profile was last reviewed on 8 September 2026.
