10 Most Influential Indonesian Doctors Throughout History

Published in

Heritage Digest

11 min readJun 15, 2024

Indonesia has a rich history of medical excellence, with numerous doctors who have significantly contributed to the health and well-being of its people. These professionals have left an indelible mark on the medical field through groundbreaking research, compassionate care, and dedicated service. This article celebrates the ten most influential Indonesian doctors throughout history, whose achievements have impacted Indonesia and been recognized globally.

Soetomo (1888–1938)
Abdul Radjak (1943–2019)
Sardjito (1889–1970)
Johannes Leimena (1905–1977)
Wahidin Sudirohusodo (1852–1917)
M. Adhyatma (1932–1999)
Lie A. Dharmawan (1946-Present)
Achmad Mochtar (1890–1945)
Ali Hanafiah (1900–1980)
Abdulrachman Saleh (1909–1947)

1. Soetomo (1888–1938)

Soetomo, born Soebroto on July 30, 1888, in East Java, Indonesia, was a prominent figure in medicine and nationalism. Growing up, he showed remarkable determination and intellect, paving his path toward becoming a physician. His upbringing was marked by a deep sense of nationalism, laying the foundation for his later contributions to Indonesian independence. While their specific occupations are not mentioned, his father and mother likely instilled in him the values of service and dedication.

After pursuing his education in medicine, including a period of study at Amsterdam University, Soetomo returned to Indonesia, where he embarked on a career as a doctor. His medical profession provided him with a platform to advocate for Indonesian nationalism. He established study clubs to raise awareness of the nation’s aspirations, utilizing his medical background to engage with communities and promote social change.

Soetomo’s major achievements lie at the intersection of his medical profession and nationalist activities. As a co-founder of Boedi Oetomo and later a leader of Parindra, he played a crucial role in the nationalist movement, advocating for Indonesia’s independence. His dedication to medicine and nationalism made him a revered figure, eventually earning him the status of a national hero. Soetomo passed away on May 30, 1938, but his legacy inspires generations of Indonesians striving for progress and independence.

2. Abdul Radjak (1943–2019)

Abdul Radjak, born on September 13, 1943, in Jakarta, Indonesia, was the 10th child among 11 siblings. His upbringing was likely influenced by his large family, instilling in him values of compassion and resilience from an early age, with a father involved in the community, H. Abdul Wahid bin Djimun, and a mother, Hj. Asemah bint Aseni, Abdul Radjak was surrounded by a supportive environment conducive to his future endeavors.

Abdul Radjak pursued a path in medicine, specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. His education and dedication to his field equipped him with the skills necessary to make significant contributions as a medical professional. Not only did he excel in his practice, but he also ventured into healthcare administration, founding the MH Thamrin Hospital Foundation. He established hospitals and educational institutions through this foundation, furthering access to healthcare and knowledge in his community.

Abdul Radjak’s major achievements in life stem from his dual roles as a medical practitioner and a visionary leader in healthcare and education. By founding hospitals and educational institutions, he made substantial contributions to the well-being and development of his community. Although he passed away on June 22, 2019, at 76, Abdul Radjak’s legacy lives on through the institutions he established, which continue to serve and inspire future generations in Indonesia.

3. Sardjito (1889–1970)

Prof. Dr. M. Sardjito, born on August 13, 1889, began his remarkable journey in Purwodadi and Lumajang, where he attended Folk Schools before advancing to the Dutch School. His upbringing likely fostered his intellectual curiosity and resilience, laying a solid foundation for his future endeavors. With supportive parents, he pursued education with determination.

Sardjito’s educational journey took him to STOVIA School in Jakarta, where he honed his skills in medicine before furthering his studies at the University of Amsterdam. His dedication led him to specialize in hot climate diseases, earning him a doctorate from Leiden University. Throughout his education, he committed to advancing medical knowledge and practice.

Sardjito’s legacy as a medical professional is profound. From his early days as a doctor at Djakarta Hospital to his leadership roles at various laboratories and institutions, he made significant contributions to healthcare and research. His pivotal role as the first Chancellor of Gadjah Mada University underscored his dedication to education and nation-building. Sardjito’s impact extended beyond medicine, as evidenced by his involvement in political movements, demonstrating his commitment to serving his community. Though he passed away on May 5, 1970, his contributions continue to inspire future generations, and his name lives on through the hospital named in his honor.

4. Johannes Leimena (1905–1977)

Johannes Leimena, commonly known as Om Jo, was born on March 6, 1905, in Ambon, Maluku. Raised in a family with a strong educational background, his father, Dominggus Leimena, served as a substitute teacher, while his mother, Elizabeth Sulilatu, was also involved in education. Despite facing early challenges, including the loss of his father at a young age and subsequent living arrangements with relatives, Leimena’s upbringing emphasized the value of education and public service.

Leimena’s educational journey took him from Ambon to Cimahi and later Batavia (now Jakarta). His involvement in nationalist movements began at the medical school STOVIA, where he participated in organizations advocating for Indonesian independence. Graduating as a doctor in 1930, Leimena’s medical career flourished, marked by his dedication to improving healthcare accessibility, particularly in rural areas. His experiences during the Japanese occupation and the Indonesian National Revolution shaped his commitment to public health and social welfare.

Leimena made significant contributions to Indonesian politics and healthcare throughout his illustrious career. Serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health, he played pivotal roles in national negotiations and policy development. His vision for preventive healthcare in rural communities laid the groundwork for the modern Puskesmas system. Despite facing political upheavals, including the aftermath of the 1965 coup, Leimena remained steadfast in his commitment to public service. He passed away on March 29, 1977, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to Indonesia’s development and the well-being of its people.

5. Wahidin Sudirohusodo (1852–1917)

Wahidin Sudirohusodo, born on January 7, 1852, in Sleman, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, hailed from a background blending Javanese Priyayi and Makassar aristocratic descent. His upbringing included education at the Tweede Europesche Lager School in Yogyakarta, followed by his pursuit of medical studies at the STOVIA school in Batavia. This early exposure to diverse cultures likely influenced his later endeavors in medicine and education.

As a child, Wahidin’s upbringing likely instilled a sense of duty and service to his community. His father and mother’s occupations are not explicitly mentioned. Still, his noble heritage and the obligation to work as a government doctor after completing his medical education suggest a familial emphasis on public service. This upbringing likely shaped Wahidin’s commitment to improving the lives and health of the common Javanese people.

His dual contributions mark Wahidin Sudirohusodo’s legacy as a medical doctor and an education reformer. His efforts to improve healthcare and promote European-style education for elite Javanese youth were pioneering steps towards the Indonesian National Awakening. Despite his passing on May 26, 1917, Wahidin’s impact reverberates through history, with his designation as a National Hero of Indonesia in 1973 and the naming of significant institutions in his honor, including a grand mosque and a hospital ship bearing his name, symbolizing his enduring legacy in Indonesian history.

6. M. Adhyatma (1932–1999)

Dr. M. Adhyatma, MPH, was born on May 25, 1932. His childhood was marked by a strong work ethic and dedication to learning. Raised in a family that valued education, he demonstrated a passion for academic excellence and service to others early on. His upbringing instilled in him the values of honesty, simplicity, and diligence, shaping his future endeavors.

Although unspecified in the provided text, his parents likely played a significant role in shaping his character and fostering his aspirations. Adhyatma’s educational journey began at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, where he graduated in 1959. He furthered his studies by obtaining a Master of Public Health degree in the United States, reflecting his commitment to advancing his knowledge and skills in the healthcare field.

Dr. Adhyatma made notable contributions to the Indonesian healthcare sector throughout his career. He held various leadership positions within the Ministry of Health, including Director General roles focusing on eradicating infectious diseases and environmental health. His dedication to public service and reputation as a career structural officer underscored his commitment to improving public health outcomes and addressing critical healthcare challenges. Dr. Adhyatma’s appointment as Minister of Health in 1988 further highlighted his expertise and leadership in the field, allowing him to enact policies and initiatives to enhance the health and well-being of the Indonesian population. Unfortunately, he passed away on December 2, 1999, leaving behind a legacy of service and dedication to the advancement of healthcare in Indonesia.

7. Lie A. Dharmawan (1946-Present)

Lie A. Dharmawan, born on April 16, 1946, in Padang, West Sumatra, had an upbringing marked by academic excellence and a commitment to serving others. His parents, Lie Goan Hoey and Pek Leng Kiau instilled strong values of compassion and dedication in him. Dharmawan’s early education at Ying Shi Elementary School, Pius Catholic Middle School, and Don Bosco High School in Padang laid the foundation for his future academic pursuits.

His pursuit of knowledge led him to Germany, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree from the Free University, a Master’s degree from the University Hospital in Cologne, and a Doctoral degree from the Free University Berlin. Armed with a diverse educational background, Dharmawan embarked on a distinguished medical career, specializing as a surgeon. His contributions to the medical field extended beyond clinical practice, encompassing leadership roles in various organizations and associations related to healthcare.

Dr. Lie A. Dharmawan’s most significant achievement lies in establishing the Dr. Floating Hospital, a pioneering initiative under the doctorSHARE Foundation. This floating hospital provides essential medical services to underserved communities in remote areas of Indonesia, where access to healthcare is limited. Through his leadership and tireless efforts, Dharmawan has touched the lives of countless individuals, demonstrating a deep commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and promoting wellness among Indonesia’s most vulnerable populations. Today, he continues to lead medical missions and initiatives to address healthcare disparities and enhance public health outcomes across the archipelago.

8. Achmad Mochtar (1890–1945)

Achmad Mochtar, born on November 10, 1890, in Padang, West Sumatra, was raised in a family deeply committed to education and public service. His father, Omar Sutan Nagari, a teacher, instilled in him a passion for learning from a young age. Mochtar’s educational journey took him to Batavia for high school and later to STOVIA medical school, where he graduated in 1916. Despite facing challenges, Mochtar’s perseverance and dedication paved the way for his remarkable medical career.

As a doctor, Mochtar initially served in the remote village of Panyabungan, North Sumatra, before encountering Dutch researcher WAP Schüffner, who mentored him in malaria research. This collaboration led to Mochtar’s doctoral program in Amsterdam, where he completed his dissertation challenging established medical beliefs about yellow fever. Upon returning to the Dutch East Indies, Mochtar continued his groundbreaking research on leptospirosis, contributing significantly to tropical medicine.

Mochtar’s enduring legacy lies in his selfless sacrifice during the Japanese occupation, where he surrendered himself to save the lives of his colleagues at the Eijkman Institute, where he served as the first Indonesian director. Despite enduring torture and imprisonment, Mochtar’s courage and integrity remained unwavering until his execution on July 3, 1945. His heroic act and contributions to medical science earned him posthumous recognition, including the naming of the Achmad Mochtar Regional Hospital in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, and prestigious awards from the Indonesian government, honoring his service and sacrifice for the nation.

9. Ali Hanafiah (1900–1980)

Ali Hanafiah, born on July 11, 1900, in Padang Panjang, West Sumatra, hailed from a family deeply rooted in education and public service. Raised by his uncle in Suliki and later by the Saleh Radjo Bagindo family in Padang, Hanafiah began his educational journey at a young age, displaying remarkable intellect and ambition. Despite facing challenges, he excelled academically, passing the Europeesche Lagere School (ELS) exam by age eight and later pursuing his studies at the prestigious School to Opleiding van Inlandsche Artsen (STOVIA).

Hanafiah’s illustrious medical career began when the Dutch East Indies government appointed him a doctor in 1926. Throughout his career, he served in various locations across Sumatra and Java, dedicating himself to providing medical assistance to needy communities. Notable among his contributions was his response to the earthquake in South Sumatra in 1933, for which he received recognition from the Dutch East Indies government.

During the Japanese occupation, Hanafiah continued his commitment to education and healthcare, teaching pharmacy at the Ika Dai Gaku Medical College and assisting at the Eijkman Institute. His expertise and leadership were further recognized when he was appointed professor and Dean of the College of Pharmacists, laying the foundation for what would later become the Faculty of Pharmacy at Gadjah Mada University. Despite facing challenges during this tumultuous period, Hanafiah’s dedication to advancing pharmaceutical education and healthcare remained unwavering, leaving a lasting impact on the field of medicine in Indonesia.

10. Abdulrachman Saleh (1909–1947)

Abdulrachman Saleh, affectionately known as “Karbol,” was born in Jakarta on July 1, 1909. His upbringing was marked by pursuing knowledge and active involvement in various organizations, showcasing his early leadership qualities. Despite the limitations of the time, Saleh pursued his education with determination, graduating from the Algemene Middelbare School (AMS) and later enrolling at the School Tot Opleiding van Inlandsche Artsen (STOVIA), continuing his studies in the medical field.

Saleh’s legacy as a medical professional and military leader is profound. He became deeply involved in physiology, contributing significantly to its development in Indonesia and earning the title “Father of Indonesian Physiology” from the University of Indonesia. Additionally, Saleh was instrumental in establishing Radio Republik Indonesia, pivotal in broadcasting news about Indonesia’s proclamation to the world. His dedication to medicine and aviation led him to serve as Commander of Madiun Air Base and co-found the Air Engineering School and Air Radio School in Malang.

Tragically, Saleh’s life was cut short on July 29, 1947, during a mission to collect medical aid. His plane was shot down by Dutch aircraft, resulting in a heroic sacrifice that the Indonesian Air Force has commemorated. Saleh was posthumously recognized as a National Hero of Indonesia, and his name continues to be honored through various memorials and awards, including the Abdulrachman Saleh Rotating Cup in medical competitions. His enduring legacy inspires future generations of medical professionals and military leaders, symbolizing courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to serving the nation.