Soekarno (1901–1970) was the first President of Indonesia and a leading figure in the country’s independence movement. Jakarta served as the political center of his leadership and remains closely tied to his national legacy.
Mohammad Hatta (1902–1980) was Indonesia’s first Vice President and a key independence leader. He worked extensively in Jakarta, where he helped shape the foundations of the modern Indonesian state.
Raden Ajeng Kartini (1879–1904) was a pioneer of women’s rights in Indonesia. Although born in Jepara, her ideas influenced national reforms centered in Jakarta, where her legacy is officially honored.
Chairil Anwar (1922–1949) was a revolutionary Indonesian poet who lived and worked in Jakarta. His modernist poetry reshaped Indonesian literature and expressed the spirit of independence.
Pramoedya Ananta Toer (1925–2006) was one of Indonesia’s most important writers. Closely linked to Jakarta’s literary circles, his novels explored colonialism, identity, and social justice.
Sutan Takdir Alisjahbana (1908–1994) was a writer, linguist, and cultural thinker who played a major role in shaping modern Indonesian language and literature in Jakarta.
Affandi (1907–1990) was a renowned Indonesian painter. While born outside Jakarta, he gained recognition through exhibitions and cultural institutions based in the capital.
Taufiq Ismail (born 1935) is a leading Indonesian poet associated with Jakarta’s intellectual community. His works reflect social change, nationalism, and moral reflection.
Goenawan Mohamad (born 1941) is a prominent journalist, poet, and essayist. Based in Jakarta, he founded Tempo magazine and became a key voice for press freedom and democracy.
Sapardi Djoko Damono (1940–2020) was a beloved Indonesian poet and academic. Although born in Surakarta, he spent much of his career teaching and writing in Jakarta.