Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie
3th President of Indonesia
In office May 21, 1998 – October 20, 1999
Preceded by	Suharto
Succeeded by	Abdurrahman Wahid
Personal details
Born	(1936-06-25) June 25, 1936 (age 88) Pare-Pare, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
Political party	Golkar
Spouse	Hasri Ainun Habibie

Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie (born June 25, 1936) was a very important person in Indonesia's history. He served as the third President of Indonesia from May 21, 1998, to October 20, 1999. People often called him B.J. Habibie. He was known for his brilliant mind and his work as an engineer before becoming president.

Early Life and Education

Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie was born in Pare-Pare, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. This was on June 25, 1936. His father was Alwi Abdul Jalil Habibie. His mother was R.A. Tuti Marini Puspowardojo.

Studying in Germany

Habibie was a very smart student. After finishing high school in Indonesia, he went to Germany. He studied at the RWTH Aachen University. There, he focused on aerospace engineering. This means he learned how to design and build airplanes. He earned his engineering degree in 1960. Later, he got his doctorate in 1965.

Career as an Engineer

After his studies, Habibie worked in Germany. He worked for a company called Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm. This company made airplanes. He became a top expert in aircraft design. He even helped design several airplanes.

Returning to Indonesia

In 1974, Habibie returned to Indonesia. The then-president, Suharto, asked him to come back. President Suharto wanted Habibie to help develop Indonesia's technology. Habibie became a special advisor to the president.

Leading Technology Development

Habibie played a big role in Indonesia's technology growth. He became the Minister of Research and Technology in 1978. He held this position for many years. He also led several state-owned companies. These companies focused on aerospace and other high-tech industries. His goal was to make Indonesia a leader in technology.

Becoming President

Habibie served as Vice President of Indonesia. He was the vice president under President Suharto. This was from March 1998.

Taking Office

In May 1998, President Suharto resigned. This happened during a time of big changes in Indonesia. As the Vice President, B.J. Habibie became the new president. He took his oath on May 21, 1998. This was a very challenging time for the country.

Habibie's Presidency (1998-1999)

Habibie's time as president was short. It lasted for about 17 months. But he made many important changes. He worked to bring more democracy to Indonesia.

Key Actions as President

• Economic Recovery: Indonesia was facing a big economic crisis. Habibie worked hard to fix the economy. He tried to stabilize prices and help businesses.
• Political Reforms: He introduced new laws for elections. These laws made elections more fair and open. He also allowed more freedom of speech.
• Freedom of the Press: Under his leadership, the media gained more freedom. Many new newspapers and TV channels started.
• East Timor Referendum: One of his biggest decisions was about East Timor. He allowed the people of East Timor to vote. They voted to become an independent country. This was a very important moment in history.

End of Presidency

Habibie decided not to run for president again in 1999. He wanted to ensure a smooth transition to a new leader. Abdurrahman Wahid became the next president.

Life After Presidency

After his presidency, Habibie remained an important figure. He continued to share his ideas about technology and democracy. He wrote books and gave speeches. He was respected for his intelligence and his dedication to Indonesia.

Family Life

Habibie was married to Hasri Ainun Habibie. They had two sons. Their love story was well-known in Indonesia. Ainun passed away in 2010. Habibie passed away on September 11, 2019, at the age of 83. He is remembered as a brilliant engineer and a president who helped Indonesia move towards democracy.

Images for kids

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  B.J. Habibie's monument in Gorontalo, 2018.

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  B. J. Habibie as the State Minister of Research and Technology

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  Habibie (center) campaigns for Golkar in 1997

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  Habibie's official vice-presidential portrait, BRI 2nd Class featured.

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  Habibie taking his presidential oath on 21 May 1998.

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  State funeral procession of Habibie at the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery in Jakarta, 12 September 2019

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  Habibie and Ainun wedding attire in Gorontalonese culture

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  Habibie's official presidential state portrait with the highest decorations he earned

See also

In Spanish: Jusuf Habibie para niños