Umar Wirahadikusumah facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Umar Wirahadikusumah
Official portrait, 1983
4th Vice President of Indonesia
In office 11 March 1983 – 11 March 1988
President	Suharto
Preceded by	Adam Malik
Succeeded by	Sudharmono
8th Chair of the Audit Board of Indonesia
In office 1973–1983
President	Suharto
Preceded by	Dadang Suprayogi
Succeeded by	Mohammad Jusuf
9th Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army
In office 25 November 1969 – 27 April 1973
President	Suharto
Preceded by	Maraden Panggabean
Succeeded by	Surono Reksodimejo
Personal details
Born	(1924-10-10)10 October 1924 Soemedang, West-Java, Dutch East Indies
Died	21 March 2003(2003-03-21) (aged 78) Jakarta, Indonesia
Resting place	Kalibata Heroes Cemetery
Political party	Golkar
Spouse	Karlinah Djaja Atmadja ​ (m. 1957)​
Relatives	Agus Wirahadikusumah (nephew)
Occupation	Army officer politician
Military service
Allegiance	Indonesia
Branch/service	Indonesian Army
Years of service	1945–1973
Rank	General
Unit	Infantry (Kostrad)
Commands	Kodam Jayakarta Kostrad
Battles/wars	Indonesian National Revolution Madiun Affair PRRI rebellion
Service no.	13761

Umar Wirahadikusumah (born 10 October 1924 – died 21 March 2003) was an important Indonesian leader. He was a general in the Indonesian Army and later became the fourth vice president of Indonesia. He served as Vice President from 1983 to 1988.

Before becoming Vice President, he was in charge of the Audit Board of Indonesia from 1973 to 1983. He also served as the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army from 1969 to 1973. Umar Wirahadikusumah came from a noble family in Sundanese culture. He joined the military in 1943 during the Japanese occupation of Indonesia. He played a key role in the Indonesian National Revolution and other important events in Indonesian history.

Early Life and Education

Umar Wirahadikusumah was born on 10 October 1924, in Situraja, Sumedang, West Java. His family was noble and well-known. His father, Raden Rangga Wirahadikusumah, was a local leader. His mother, Raden Ratnaringrum, was also from an important family.

Umar's mother passed away when he was young. He and his brothers were raised by their grandmother. He went to school at Hollandsch-Inlandsche School for elementary education. Later, he continued his studies at the Europeesche Lagere School in Tasikmalaya and Meer Uitgebreid Lager Onderwijs in Pasundan.

Military Career

Umar Wirahadikusumah had a long and important career in the military. He joined the armed forces during a time of great change for Indonesia.

Joining the Military

In 1943, during the Japanese occupation of Indonesia, Umar joined youth groups. These groups offered physical training. In October 1944, he joined PETA. PETA was an Indonesian army group created by the Japanese. Its goal was to help fight against the Allies in World War II.

When Indonesia declared its independence, Umar joined the TKR. This group was the first version of the Indonesian National Army. He helped the new nation prevent the Dutch from taking control again. This period is known as the Indonesian National Revolution.

After Independence

After Indonesia gained independence, Umar continued to serve in the Army. He spent a long time in the Kodam VI/Siliwangi (Siliwangi Division). This division was based in his home province of West Java. He rose through the ranks, taking part in important military actions.

He helped stop a communist uprising in 1948, known as the Madiun Affair. He also fought against the PRRI rebellion in Sumatra. At one point, he was a special assistant to General AH Nasution.

Umar Wirahadikusumah as the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army

In 1959, Umar became the Commander of Kodam V/Jaya. This meant he was in charge of security in and around Jakarta. On 1 October 1965, a major event happened. Six generals were kidnapped from their homes. As the commander, Umar checked the city's security. He saw unknown troops in Merdeka Square. He quickly contacted Major General Suharto, who was the commander of Kostrad. Umar asked for Suharto's help.

Umar supported Suharto's decision to take control of the Army. He helped Suharto stop the attempted coup. President Sukarno asked Umar to come to Halim Perdanakusuma Airport. Suharto was worried this was a trap and refused the order. As Suharto brought the situation under control, Umar helped secure Jakarta. He announced a curfew and monitored all city newspapers.

When the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) was blamed for the events, Umar approved the formation of a group to stop the movement. This led to a large crackdown. Even though Umar was not part of Suharto's closest group, Suharto trusted him greatly. This was because of Umar's help in stopping the 30 September Movement. As Suharto rose to become President of Indonesia, Umar's career also advanced quickly.

In 1965, Suharto put Umar in charge of Kostrad. In 1967, Umar became the Deputy Army Chief of Staff. Then, in 1969, he became the Army Chief of Staff. In 1973, he ended his active military career. He then became the Chairman of the State Audit Board (BPK). He held this important position for 10 years. As Chairman of BPK, Umar made sure that government departments used their money correctly. He found that many departments had problems with corruption.

Vice Presidency

Official portrait, 1983

In March 1983, Umar reached a very high point in his career. Suharto was elected president for his fourth term. He chose Umar to be his Vice President. This choice surprised many people. Umar was not as well-known as the previous vice presidents.

However, Umar had a very good reputation. He was widely respected. As Vice President, Umar was one of the few people in the government who actively fought against corruption. He was a religious man. He believed that faith could help people avoid corrupt actions.

Umar also made surprise visits to towns and villages. Sometimes he went secretly. He wanted to see how government policies were affecting ordinary people. During his time as Vice President, he also held prayer services at the Vice Presidential Palace. Umar's term as vice president ended in March 1988. He was replaced by Sudharmono. Many people were sad that he did not continue for a second term. This showed how much he was respected.

Later Life and Passing

In May 1998, just before Suharto stepped down as president, Umar visited Suharto. He went with Sudharmono and Try Sutrisno to discuss the situation.

Umar Wirahadikusumah passed away on 21 March 2003. He was 78 years old. He died due to heart and lung problems. His body was laid to rest at the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery in Jakarta. This cemetery is a special place for national heroes.

Personal Life

Umar Wirahadikusmah with his family, c. 1983

Umar Wirahadikusumah married Karlinah Djaja Atmadja on 2 February 1957. They had two daughters together. Umar was also the uncle of Agus Wirahadikusumah. Agus was also a military officer who became Commander of Kostrad. Umar's brother, Sadikin, was the father of Reini Wirahadikusumah. Reini became the first woman to be the rector (head) of the Bandung Institute of Technology from 2020 to 2025.

Images for kids

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  Star of the Republic of Indonesia, 2nd Class

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  Star of Mahaputera, 2nd Class

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  Military Distinguished Service Star

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  Guerrilla Star

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  Star of Kartika Eka Paksi, 1st Class

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  Star of Jalasena, 1st Class

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  Star of Bhayangkara, 1st Class

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  Star of Kartika Eka Paksi, 2nd Class

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  Star of Jalasena, 2nd Class

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  Star of Bhayangkara, 2nd Class

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  Star of Kartika Eka Paksi, 3rd Class

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  Indonesian Armed Forces "8 Years" Service Star

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  Military Long Service Medal, 24 Years Service

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  1st Independence War Medal

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  2nd Independence War Medal

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  Military Operational Service Medal for Madiun 1947

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  Military Operational Service Medal for Angkatan Ratu Adil 1947

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  Military Operational Service Medal for Jawa Barat 1959

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  "Sapta Marga" Medal

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  Northern Borneo Military Campaign Medal

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  Medal for Combat Against Communists

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  Military Instructor Service Medal

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  Honorary Commander of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia

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  Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany

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  Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Orange-Nassau

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  Second Rank of the Order of the People's Army with Golden Star (Yugoslavia)

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  Commander of the Legion of Merit (United States)

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  First Class (Tong-il) of the Order of National Security Merit (South Korea)