Biography Inggit Garnasih The Faithful Wife

Summary

Inggit Garnasih, born in 1888 in Bandung, played a pivotal role in shaping Indonesia's history as the wife of President Soekarno. Despite limited education, her loyalty, sacrifice, and unwavering support helped Soekarno rise politically and personally. After a marriage filled with struggles and sacrifices, Inggit stood by Soekarno during his most challenging times, even after their divorce in 1942. Though unable to bear children, her encouragement and emotional support were vital to Soekarno’s journey. Inggit’s legacy remains one of strength, love, and resilience, encapsulated in her dedication to the ideals of Indonesia’s independence.

Takeaways

• 😀 Inggit Garnasih was born on February 17, 1888, in Kamasan, Bandung, and lived to be 96 years old, passing away on April 13, 1984.
• 😀 Her full name was Garnasih, meaning 'Hegar Asih,' which translates to 'refreshing affection.'
• 😀 Inggit was known as the 'village flower' and was admired for her beauty during her youth in her village.
• 😀 Her first marriage was to Nata Atmadja, a governor, but it ended in divorce, after which she remarried Haji Sanusi, a businessman.
• 😀 Inggit married Indonesia's first president, Sukarno, on March 24, 1923, when she was 34 and Sukarno was 21, making her his second wife.
• 😀 Despite Sukarno's first marriage to Siti Utari, Inggit remained his wife for nearly 20 years, supporting him during his education at the Bandung Institute of Technology.
• 😀 Inggit's loyalty and support helped Sukarno through difficult times, including providing financial assistance and even translating his speeches into Sundanese.
• 😀 Despite facing financial hardships, Inggit worked hard to make ends meet, including sewing clothes, selling powder, and selling herbal medicine.
• 😀 Sukarno eventually remarried Fatmawati because Inggit could not give him children, but Inggit chose not to divorce him and accepted the situation.
• 😀 In 1960, at the age of 72, Inggit met Sukarno, now 59, who apologized for any hurt caused. Inggit responded with understanding, telling him to lead the country and fulfill their shared ideals.

Q & A

Who was Inggit Garnasih and when was she born?

Inggit Garnasih was a prominent Indonesian woman born on February 17, 1888, in the village of Kamasan, Bandung, West Java.

What is the meaning behind Inggit's name, Garnasih?

Garnasih is derived from two words: 'Hegar' meaning refreshing and 'Asih' meaning affection. It represents unity through affection.

How did Inggit Garnasih gain her nickname 'Inggit'?

Inggit gained her nickname from her friends, who remarked that receiving a smile from her felt as valuable as receiving money, symbolizing the beauty and charm she possessed.

Who were Inggit Garnasih's first two husbands?

Inggit's first husband was Nata Atmadja, a governor in the Priangan Resident office. After their divorce, she remarried Haji Sanusi, a businessman involved in the Islamic Society.

When did Inggit marry Soekarno, and what was the age difference between them?

Inggit married Soekarno on March 24, 1923. She was 34 years old, while Soekarno was just 21, making their age difference 13 years.

Why did Inggit and Soekarno's marriage eventually end?

Inggit and Soekarno's marriage ended in 1942 when Soekarno sought a divorce. He had fallen in love with Fatmawati, as Inggit could not provide him with children.

How did Inggit support Soekarno during his education and early political career?

Inggit supported Soekarno by working multiple jobs, including sewing clothes, selling powder, creating herbal medicine, and acting as a small soap agent to provide for their daily needs.

What was Soekarno's achievement in 1926, and how did Inggit feel about it?

In 1926, Soekarno graduated with the title of engineer from the Bandung Institute of Technology. Inggit felt immense pride in his success, as it was the fruit of their shared struggle.

What was Inggit's role in Soekarno's political activism?

Inggit played a vital role in supporting Soekarno's political activities, particularly after he founded the Indonesian National Union (PNI). She encouraged him during difficult times and helped him by translating his speeches into Sundanese.

How did Inggit respond when she met Soekarno again in 1960?

In 1960, when Soekarno visited Inggit, who was 72 years old, he apologized for any pain caused during their marriage's dissolution. Inggit responded gracefully, saying, 'No need to apologize, Kus! Lead the country as well as our ideals in this house.'