| A | B |
| Indonesian Nationalist Association/Party began under Sukarno, a charismatic leader | 1927 |
| Japanese occupation of Indonesia | 1942-1945 |
| Sukarno declares Indonesian independence | 1945 |
| Dutch attempts to regain control anger the world against colonialism | 1945-49 |
| the Netherlands agrees to Indonesian independence, with Sukarno as president | 1949 |
| Sukarno takes away democracy and becomes a dictator | 1956 |
| President Sukarno usurps power, shows strong anti-colonialism | 1959 |
| military and Communist coup de etat puts General Suharto in power; Sukarno is disfavored | 1965 |
| General Suharto is elected president of Indonesia | 1968 |
| General Suharto is re-elected president | 1973 |
| Megawati Sukarnoputri | Current President |