How to Pronounce Megawati Sukarnoputri

Meaning and Context

Megawati Sukarnoputri is a pivotal figure in modern Indonesian political history, having served as the fifth President of Indonesia from 2001 to 2004, following a period of political turmoil. The daughter of founding father and first president Sukarno, her leadership is deeply rooted in the nation's struggle for independence and democratic development. As the chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), she has been a dominant force in Indonesian politics for decades, guiding the party to repeated electoral victories and playing a crucial role in the country's transition to democracy post-Suharto. Her presidency, though marked by challenges, oversaw a period of stabilization and constitutional reform. Megawati remains a symbol of Indonesian democracy and a matriarchal figure whose influence continues to shape the political landscape, with her party serving as a vehicle for successive national leaders, including the current president, Joko Widodo.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The standard and correct spelling is Megawati Sukarnoputri. Common errors and variations often arise from transliteration and unfamiliarity with Indonesian naming conventions. A frequent misspelling involves the first name as "Mega Wati" (with a space), but it is a single compound name. The surname Sukarnoputri is also frequently misspelled. Common typos include "Sukarnoputri" (missing the 'a'), "Sukarnoputra" (using the masculine '-putra' instead of the feminine '-putri', which means 'daughter of'), and "Soekarnoputri" (using the older Dutch-influenced spelling of 'Soekarno'). While "Soekarno" is an accepted historical spelling for her father, "Sukarnoputri" is the standard modern Indonesian form for her surname. Users searching for her may also employ abbreviated or informal terms like "Mega" or "Ibu Mega" (Mother Mega), which are common in Indonesian media.

Example Sentences

Following the impeachment of Abdurrahman Wahid, Megawati Sukarnoputri was sworn in as president on July 23, 2001, becoming Indonesia's first female head of state.

Many analysts credit her tenure with restoring a measure of political calm and institutional stability after a turbulent period.

As the perennial chair of the PDI-P, Megawati Sukarnoputri has carefully curated the party's direction, often emphasizing her father's legacy of nationalism and Marhaenisme (populist socialism).

Her daughter, Puan Maharani, has followed her into politics, continuing the family's enduring influence in the public sphere.

While her presidential style was sometimes criticized as aloof, her steadfast presence has made Megawati Sukarnoputri an indispensable anchor in Indonesia's multi-party democracy.

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