Facts about Ratna Sari Dewi, the Widow of President Soekarno: Proposed in a Super Romantic Way at Sunset in Tampaksiring and Still an Indonesian Citizen for Easy Pilgrimage to Blitar

Kapanlagi.com - During his lifetime, the first President of Indonesia, Soekarno, was not only known for his eloquence and intelligence as well as his determination; he was also a man who was skilled at winning over women. Among his several wives, one of the most well-known (including abroad) is Ratna Sari Dewi, whose real name is Naoko Nemoto.

This woman, also known as Dewi Sukarno, had an interview with Desy Anwar in 2016. From that conversation, several interesting facts about her were revealed.

Here are some of them!

1. When Meeting Soekarno

Dewi Soekarno © instagram.com/dewisukarnoofficial

Dewi Sukarno met Soekarno in 1959. At that time, she was a knowledgeable artist and was only 19 years old. Soekarno came to Japan and coincidentally Dewi, who still had the name Naoko Nemoto, was assigned to serve tea to the first president of the Republic of Indonesia. According to her, at that time Soekarno truly became the center of attention.

During that time, she had a conversation with Soekarno and was very impressed with his knowledge of Japanese history. Naoko was then invited to come to Indonesia for two weeks. After thinking for a long time and going through several flights, Naoko, who felt honored to receive the invitation, finally came to Indonesia.

2. Romantic Proposal from Soekarno

Dewi and Soekarno © instagram.com/dewisukarnoofficial

When in Indonesia, Naoko was invited by Soekarno to take a walk together at Tampaksiring Palace, Bali. It was late afternoon, approaching sunset, and they enjoyed the view of coconut trees accompanied by a gentle breeze.

It was then that Soekarno proposed to her, saying: Please be my inspiration, be my friend, be the joy of my life. Naoko couldn't refuse and felt that even if she lived for hundreds of years, those were the most beautiful proposal words she ever received. Dewi was initially opposed by her family, especially her mother, but her decision was firm to marry Soekarno, who was already 54 years old at that time.

3. Life as the President's Wife

Dewi and Soekarno © instagram.com/dewisukarnoofficial

After getting married, Naoko changed her name to Ratna Sari Dewi and converted to Islam. Her appearance became very Indonesian, always wearing kebaya and her hair in a bun. She initially lived in a house before having her own space in Merdeka Palace.

Soekarno kept his marriage to Dewi a secret from his other wife, Siti Hartini. Dewi was uncertain about this, but Soekarno asked her not to think too much about it. Hartini only found out that Dewi was Soekarno's wife when the proclaimer was detained at Wisma Yaso.

Dewi also witnessed firsthand Soekarno's passing.

4. Moving Residences

After Soekarno passed away, Dewi and her only daughter, Kartika, moved residences to several countries. She briefly lived in the United States, Switzerland, and France, before finally deciding to settle back in Japan in 2008.

In Japan, Dewi resumed her career as an entertainer on popular Japanese television shows. Until now, she remains unmarried.

5. Regarding the Book Madame De Syuga

In 1993, Dewi became a topic of conversation in Indonesia once again. This was after she released a book titled Madame De Syuga, which was deemed disrespectful to Indonesian culture. The book indeed contained several nude photos of Dewi at the age of 53.

In an interview with Desy Anwar, Dewi disagreed with calling it a controversy. She created the book to showcase her artistic soul. The book was originally intended to be released only in Japan and would never be brought to Indonesia because she understood the cultural differences between the two countries. That's why Dewi was also surprised as to how the book became controversial in Indonesia and was banned.

6. Still an Indonesian Citizen

Dewi still claims to be an Indonesian citizen. She still has a house here and often visits Indonesia. She also has no intention of changing her name back to Naoko Nemoto.

Because of this decision, she has actually faced many difficulties, especially regarding visas. The Japanese passport allows her to easily visit many countries. But because she has an Indonesian passport, she has to wait for weeks if she wants to go abroad.

7. Main Reasons for Remaining an Indonesian Citizen

Dewi Soekarno © instagram.com/dewisukarnoofficial

One of Dewi's reasons for maintaining her Indonesian citizenship is to make it easier for her to visit Blitar, East Java. Blitar is the place where Soekarno is buried. According to Dewi, having an Indonesian passport means she won't have any difficulties if she wants to go to Blitar. Until now, she still refers to Soekarno as 'Bapak' (Father).

In 2020, Dewi will turn 80 years old and still looks beautiful. Stay healthy, Mother!

(kpl/pit)