Soekarno’s Leadership: What Can We Learn Today?

Soekarno’s leadership has long been glorified in textbooks and ceremonies. But in an era of political disillusionment, many Indonesians are asking: Was it genuine leadership or just theatrical nationalism?

The truth is even with his flaws, Soekarno’s leadership holds surprisingly relevant lessons. Not just for politicians, but for anyone who wants to lead with vision in chaotic times.

Soekarno’s leadership is one of the most iconic and enduring examples of how a leader can shape the destiny of a nation not only through political decisions, but through the power of ideas, identity, and inspiration. As the founding father and first president of Indonesia, Soekarno stood at the intersection of revolution and nation-building.

His leadership style was deeply rooted in ideology, emotion, and vision. He did not merely lead through orders or structures; he led through dreams, symbols, and the collective spirit of the people. Soekarno was very skilled at changing other people’s perceptions to match his own, and was able to make them willingly follow his orders and desires. Indonesia’s first president was also known for his explosive temper, but he was able to transmit his great enthusiasm to others.

He was a master communicator, a charismatic figure who could articulate the aspirations of millions in words that stirred hearts and minds. His speeches, such as “To Build the World Anew” or the proclamation of independence on August 17, 1945, were more than political moments they were historical turning points. He painted a vivid picture of an Indonesia that was united, free, proud, and dignified.

His leadership was symbolic in nature yet practical in executionbridging traditional values with progressive ideals. Even in a world filled with colonial legacies, economic instability, and global tension, Soekarno dared to dream big and acted boldly.

Today, as we live in an era of digital influence, political complexity, and social fragmentation, Soekarno’s leadership offers more than just historical admiration. It offers lessons. It reminds us that great leadership stems not only from authority, but from authenticity, clarity of purpose, and the ability to move people toward something greater than themselves.

1. ⁠August 17th: More Than Just History

Indonesia’s Independence Day, celebrated every 17th of August, is more than just a historic event. It is a moment of reflection, an opportunity to look beyond the ceremonies and revisit the values that shaped this nation. Among those values stands the legacy of Soekarno, not only as the man who proclaimed independence but as a visionary leader whose ideas transcend his time. His leadership invites us to ask: how can we carry his spirit into today’s leadership challenges?

2. Soekarno’s Leadership: Strong, Symbolic, and Nationalistic

Soekarno’s leadership was deeply rooted in symbolism, strength, and nationalism. He understood that in a diverse country like Indonesia rich in culture, language, and ethnicity, uniting the people would require more than rules. It needed shared meaning. Through carefully crafted speeches, national monuments, and the promotion of “Pancasila” as the state ideology, he gave Indonesians something to believe in. He was a builder of identity.

His charismatic persona made him a natural leader on the global stage. Domestically, he was revered as “Bung Karno,” a figure who connected with the rakyat, the people, on an emotional level. His leadership style emphasized persatuan (unity) and kebangkitan nasional (national awakening), framing Indonesia’s struggle not just as a fight for sovereignty, but as a collective rebirth of pride and purpose. He ignited nationalism in a post-colonial society that needed healing and direction.

Soekarno also often positioned himself as a father figure of the nation. His presence was strong, and his words echoed with purpose. While his leadership style could be seen as centralistic and sometimes theatrical, it served its purpose in consolidating the spirit of a nation still fragile in its foundations.

3. Leading Through Adversity: Challenges of Soekarno’s Era

While Soekarno’s leadership was powerful, it also existed in a time of immense challenge. He governed during a period of extreme political and economic instability. As Indonesia transitioned from colonial rule to independence, the country faced deep divisions: regional, ideological, and class-based. Additionally, the international arena during the Cold War era placed pressure on young nations like Indonesia to align with global powers. Soekarno, however, chose a different path: he promoted a non-aligned movement, emphasizing independence not just politically, but ideologically.

Domestically, his “Guided Democracy” was a response to the chaos of parliamentary politics, but it also centralized authority and raised concerns about democratic expression. Economic policies during his presidency faced difficulties, with inflation, shortages, and debt becoming mounting issues in the later years of his rule. These realities show that while Soekarno had a bold vision, implementing it amidst limited resources and internal conflicts was not easy.

Even so, he remained firm in his stance: Indonesia must not become a puppet state, and its people must walk with dignity. His ability to maintain national unity during such uncertain times reflects a resilience and strategic adaptability that few leaders possess.

4. Lessons for Modern Leadership

The essence of Soekarno’s leadership still holds relevance for today’s world. Whether we are talking about political leaders, organizational managers, or individual influencers, there are timeless principles we can learn and apply:

• Lead with vision: Soekarno dared to imagine a future Indonesia where freedom, unity, and dignity reigned. Today’s leaders must also build and communicate a compelling vision to inspire trust and purpose.
• Mobilize people through narrative: In the age of social media and information overload, those who can tell powerful, authentic stories will move others. Soekarno mastered this decades ago.
• Courage in uncertainty: Soekarno’s decisions were not always popular or easy, but he believed in them. Modern leaders must also learn to act with principle even when facing pressure.
• Build unity in diversity: In today’s polarized societies, fostering inclusivity and a sense of shared identity is more crucial than ever.

Interestingly, these leadership principles also align with the modern concept of personal branding. As recent studies suggest (Avery & Greenwald, 2023; O’Neill, 2024), effective leaders today must not only be competent, but also credible and consistent in how they present themselves. Soekarno embodied this long before the term “branding” became popular. His image, tone, values, and even clothing were extensions of his leadership identity.

5. Independence & Leadership: A Reflective Call

Commemorating Indonesia’s Independence Day is not only about raising the red-and-white flag or remembering historical dates. It’s about reigniting the spirit that leaders like Soekarno once carried. His leadership teaches us that true independence is not only gained from external freedom, but from internal strength of character, of purpose, and of unity.

Let this moment be a reminder that we are all leaders in our own right. Whether we lead a team, a family, a movement, or even just ourselves, leadership begins with taking responsibility. Just like Soekarno dared to lead a nation with conviction and vision, we too can lead with values, integrity, and courage in our daily lives.

In today’s society, where digital identity and public influence shape perception, embracing a purposeful leadership style is more necessary than ever. Soekarno’s legacy invites us to be bold, to dream, to speak for justice, and to unite others with clarity. Let us not simply admire his leadership but implementation in our life.