Origins & Early Life

Ibrahim Simabua Datuak Sutan Malaka (2 June 1897 – 21 February 1949), also known as Tan Malaka, was an Indonesian statesman, teacher, Marxist, and philosopher who was the founder of Struggle Union (Persatuan Perjuangan) and the Murba Party. He is also known as the Indonesian fighter, national hero, an independent guerrilla, and a spy. In his youth, Tan Malaka was a member of Sarekat Islam and the ISDV. In 1922, he became the first Dutch immigrant to run in a Dutch General election.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He also served as the principal Comintern agent for Southeast Asia, standing as a peer to Ho Chi Minh and Sun Yat-sen. He also helped shape the nationalist movement in Malaya and the Philippines by mentoring figures such as Ibrahim Yaacob and Crisanto Evangelista. He is also known for being the first person to conceptualize the Indonesian nation-state. His writings would also inspire the lyrics for "Indonesia Raya" and Sukarno's revolutionary movement. Among Indonesians, he has been referred to as the "Father of the Republic of Indonesia" (Indonesian: Bapak Republik Indonesia), a designation first used by Muhammad Yamin, and later by Tempo.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Due to his clandestine past, he is also monikered as "The Scarlet...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Amelia Earhart — Contemporary (Born in 1897) (1897): Iconic American aviator whose pioneering flights shaped early 20th-century aviation.
• Benjamin Lee Whorf — Contemporary (Born in 1897) (1897): Pioneering linguist known for the theory of linguistic relativity.
• Charles Kingsford Smith — Contemporary (Born in 1897) (1897): Australian aviation pioneer, famed for transpacific and trans-Tasman flights.
• Ahmed Zaki (actor) — Contemporary (Born in 1949) (1949): Iconic Egyptian actor celebrated for intense dramatic performances.
• Alan Menken — Contemporary (Born in 1949) (1949): Award-winning American composer celebrated for Disney film scores and Broadway musicals.
• Alice Bailey — Contemporary (Died in 1949) (1949): American esoteric writer known for neo-theosophical works and pioneering New Age concepts.
• Abby Wambach — Shared historical date (06-02 · Born) (1980): Iconic American soccer forward, celebrated for her goal-scoring prowess and longevity.
• Bo Diddley — Shared historical date (06-02 · Died) (2008): Pioneering blues guitarist whose signature rhythm influenced rock, pop, and hip-hop.
• Amy Tan — Shared historical date (02-19 · Born) (1952): Acclaimed American novelist celebrated for exploring Chinese-American family dynamics.
• André Gide — Shared historical date (02-19 · Died) (1951): Pioneering French author, Nobel laureate known for exploring selfhood and transgression.
• 1897 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1897
• June 2 (06-02) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on June 2
• 1949 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1949
• February 19 (02-19) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on February 19