User:The man from Gianyar/Anwar Ismail Archive

Anwar Ismail (14 January 1914 – 18 August 1988) was an Indonesian Islamic politician and military officer who served as a member of the People's Representative Council from 1971 until 1982, during the New Order regime of Indonesian president Suharto, representing Karawang regency, as a member of the United Development Party, though he was elected as a member of the Muslim party.

Anwar was born to a conservative muslim family in Central Java, on 14 January 1914, though little is known of his early life. After completing his studies at the Hollandsch-Inlandsche School, and then at the Meer Uitgebreid Lager Onderwijs, he became a teacher. During this time, he became involved in nationalist activities. When the Japanese occupied Indonesia, Anwar enlisted in the Homeland Defenders (PETA) military unit, attaining the rank of battalion commander. Following the proclamation of independence, Anwar joined the Indonesian Army, and fought in the War of Independence.

After independence, Anwar returned to working as a teacher. In 1971, he ran for a seat in the People's Representative Council during the 1971 legislative election as a member of the Muslim party. However, after the re-organization of the parties, the Muslim Party joined other Islamist parties, such as the Nadhlatul Ulama, and Anwar became a member of the New United Development Party.

He served as representative until 1982, when he didn't run for re-election. He died on 18 August 1988, in Jakarta, following a heart attack. He was buried in his hometown of Karawang, Central Java.