Research topic: Abdurrahman Wahid

Abdurrahman Wahid 1940-, Indonesian religious and political leader popularly called Gus Dur, president of Indonesia (1999-2001). A Muslim scholar and political moderate who supports separation of religion and state and rights for women and minorities, Wahid became head of Nahdlatul Ulama, a social-welfare and educational institution and Indonesia's largest Islamic organization, in 1984. In poor health, almost blind, and noted for unpredictability and indecisiveness, he was nonetheless an extremely popular figure when he was elected president by opponents of Megawati Sukarnoputri . As president... Read more