Indonesia’s history is shaped by remarkable women who excelled in leadership, activism, and the arts. This list honors their diverse contributions to the nation’s identity and progress.
The 100 Most Famous Indonesia Women of All Time
| No. | Name | Occupation / Why Famous |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raden Adjeng Kartini | National hero and pioneer of women’s education and rights |
| 2 | Cut Nyak Dhien | Guerrilla leader who fought against Dutch colonial forces |
| 3 | Megawati Sukarnoputri | Fifth President of Indonesia and first woman to hold the office |
| 4 | Martha Christina Tiahahu | Freedom fighter and national hero from Maluku |
| 5 | Cut Nyak Meutia | Acehnese resistance leader against Dutch colonization |
| 6 | Dewi Sartika | Educator and founder of the first school for girls in Indonesia |
| 7 | Sri Mulyani Indrawati | Globally recognized economist and Minister of Finance |
| 8 | Retno Marsudi | First female Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia |
| 9 | Susi Pudjiastuti | Entrepreneur and former Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries |
| 10 | Anggun C. Sasmi | Internationally acclaimed singer and songwriter |
| 11 | Agnes Monica (Agnez Mo) | Pop singer, actress, and international recording artist |
| 12 | Najwa Shihab | Influential journalist and host of Mata Najwa |
| 13 | Ibu Sud | Renowned composer of iconic Indonesian children’s songs |
| 14 | Maria Walanda Maramis | National hero and advocate for women’s rights in Minahasa |
| 15 | Nyai Ahmad Dahlan | Founder of Aisyiyah and advocate for female education |
| 16 | Malahayati | World’s first female navy admiral from the Aceh Sultanate |
| 17 | Fatmawati | First Lady of Indonesia who sewed the first national flag |
| 18 | Christine Hakim | Award-winning veteran actress and film producer |
| 19 | Susi Susanti | Badminton legend and Indonesia’s first Olympic gold medalist |
| 20 | Tri Rismaharini | Former Mayor of Surabaya and Minister of Social Affairs |
| 21 | Khofifah Indar Parawansa | Former Governor of East Java and Minister of Social Affairs |
| 22 | Butet Manurung | Educator and founder of Sokola Rimba for indigenous tribes |
| 23 | Nila Moeloek | Renowned ophthalmologist and former Minister of Health |
| 24 | Rossa | Highly successful pop singer and “Diva” of Indonesia |
| 25 | Krisdayanti | Pop star, actress, and member of the House of Representatives |
| 26 | Raisa Andriana | Popular contemporary pop singer and songwriter |
| 27 | Isyana Sarasvati | Award-winning singer, songwriter, and classical pianist |
| 28 | Dian Sastrowardoyo | Acclaimed actress known for the film Ada Apa Dengan Cinta? |
| 29 | Sri Sundari Sudarsono | Pioneer in Indonesian social work and child protection |
| 30 | Rasuna Said | National hero and prominent political orator and activist |
| 31 | Titiek Puspa | Legendary singer, songwriter, and entertainer |
| 32 | Waldjinah | Famous singer known as the “Queen of Keroncong” |
| 33 | Nani Widjaja | Veteran actress with a career spanning several decades |
| 34 | Tuti Herati | Influential philosopher, poet, and academic |
| 35 | Nh. Dini | Renowned novelist and feminist literary figure |
| 36 | Ayu Utami | Award-winning novelist and journalist |
| 37 | Mira W. | Prolific romance novelist and physician |
| 38 | Mesty Ariotedjo | Physician, harpist, and social entrepreneur |
| 39 | Greysia Polii | Badminton player and Olympic gold medalist |
| 40 | Apriyani Rahayu | Badminton player and Olympic gold medalist |
| 41 | Liliyana Natsir | Badminton legend and Olympic gold medalist |
| 42 | Yayuk Basuki | Most successful Indonesian professional tennis player |
| 43 | Alexandra Asmasoebrata | Indonesia’s first female formula racing driver |
| 44 | Lindswell Kwok | Wushu athlete known as the “Queen of Wushu” |
| 45 | Maudy Ayunda | Actress, singer, and prominent education advocate |
| 46 | Cinta Laura | Actress, singer, and social activist |
| 47 | Chelsea Islan | Award-winning actress and youth activist |
| 48 | Laudya Cynthia Bella | Famous actress and entrepreneur |
| 49 | Bunga Citra Lestari | Popular singer and film actress |
| 50 | Titi DJ | Renowned pop singer and former Miss World contestant |
| 51 | Vina Panduwinata | Iconic pop singer known as “The Burung Camar” |
| 52 | Hetty Koes Endang | Legendary singer of pop and keroncong music |
| 53 | Elvy Sukaesih | The “Queen of Dangdut” music |
| 54 | Inul Daratista | Popular dangdut singer and business mogul |
| 55 | Nike Ardilla | Legendary pop-rock singer and cultural icon |
| 56 | Poppy Mercuri | Famous slow rock singer of the 1990s |
| 57 | Desy Ratnasari | Actress, singer, and politician |
| 58 | Paramitha Rusady | Prolific actress and singer of the 80s and 90s |
| 59 | Meriam Bellina | Award-winning actress and legendary screen icon |
| 60 | Suzzanna | The “Queen of Indonesian Horror” cinema |
| 61 | Widyawati | Legendary award-winning actress |
| 62 | Tutie Kirana | Acclaimed actress and film director |
| 63 | Yenny Wahid | Social activist and daughter of President Abdurrahman Wahid |
| 64 | Alissa Wahid | Psychologist and activist for human rights and pluralism |
| 65 | Mari Elka Pangestu | Economist and former Managing Director of the World Bank |
| 66 | Shinta Maniari Chikita | Human rights lawyer and activist |
| 67 | Diah Permata Megawati | See entry 3 (Megawati Sukarnoputri) |
| 68 | Puan Maharani | First female Speaker of the People’s Representative Council |
| 69 | Mooryati Soedibyo | Founder of Mustika Ratu and pioneer in traditional cosmetics |
| 70 | Martha Tilaar | Founder of Martha Tilaar Group and cosmetics pioneer |
| 71 | Anne Avantie | Renowned fashion designer famous for modern Kebayas |
| 72 | Tex Saverio | International fashion designer known for avant-garde couture |
| 73 | Farah Quinn | Celebrity chef and television personality |
| 74 | Maria Selena | Miss Indonesia 2011 and professional basketball player |
| 75 | Artika Sari Devi | First Indonesian to reach the Top 15 at Miss Universe |
| 76 | Whulandary Herman | Miss Universe Indonesia 2013 and top model |
| 77 | Nadine Chandrawinata | Miss Indonesia Universe 2005 and environmental activist |
| 78 | Prisia Nasution | Award-winning actress and martial artist |
| 79 | Adinia Wirasti | Acclaimed actress and FFI award winner |
| 80 | Laura Basuki | Award-winning international film actress |
| 81 | Happy Salma | Actress, producer, and traditional jewelry entrepreneur |
| 82 | Lulu Tobing | Iconic television actress of the 1990s |
| 83 | Tamara Bleszynski | Famous actress and model |
| 84 | Nia Ramadhani | Well-known television actress and socialite |
| 85 | Marshanda | Famous actress, singer, and mental health advocate |
| 86 | Sherina Munaf | Former child star, singer, and actress |
| 87 | Tasya Kamila | Former child singer and environmental advocate |
| 88 | Gita Gutawa | Soprano singer and songwriter |
| 89 | Fatin Shidqia | Winner of X Factor Indonesia and pop singer |
| 90 | Yura Yunita | Award-winning contemporary pop singer |
| 91 | Andien | Renowned jazz and pop singer |
| 92 | Syahrini | Pop singer and famous social media personality |
| 93 | Nagita Slavina | Actress, entrepreneur, and prominent media figure |
| 94 | Jessica Iskandar | Television presenter and actress |
| 95 | Luna Maya | High-profile actress, model, and presenter |
| 96 | Sophia Latjuba | Famous actress and model known for her timeless career |
| 97 | Olla Ramlan | Television personality and model |
| 98 | Maia Estianty | Musician, producer, and entrepreneur |
| 99 | Mulan Jameela | Pop singer and member of the House of Representatives |
| 100 | Ashanty | Singer and prominent media personality |
Read more: Most Famous Indonesia Men of All Time
In conclusion,
These 100 women represent the strength and diversity of Indonesia. Their achievements in politics, arts, and social reform continue to inspire future generations across the archipelago.
Hello! I’m Emma Carter, born in 1990, and a passionate child development specialist. Alongside my work, I have a deep love for helping parents discover beautiful and meaningful baby names. I believe a name is more than just a label — it’s the beginning of a child’s story. I draw inspiration from languages, cultures, traditions, and even the hidden meanings behind names to help find the perfect fit for every little one’s bright future.