Hatta, Muhammad (1902–1980)

Indonesian politician and economist, prime minister 1948–50, vice president 1950–56. Hatta was arrested by the Dutch in 1934 for political activities and exiled to Bandanaira Island until 1942 when the Japanese invaded Indonesia. In August 1945 he and Sukarno were kidnapped by militant students who persuaded them to declare Indonesia's independence. Hatta served as vice president of the revolutionary government and subsequently as prime minister and vice president of an independent Indonesia. He resigned as vice president in December 1956 over disagreement with Sukarno's anti-Western foreign policies.