Abdillah Toha

Abdillah Toha (29 April 1942 – 26 May 2026) was an Indonesian academic, intellectual, columnist, businessman, and politician. He was a co-founder of the National Mandate Party (PAN) and served as a member of the House of Representatives from 2004 to 2009. He was described by colleagues as a "public intellectual guarding common sense" and a "modernist Islamic thinker."

Toha died on 26 May 2026, at the age of 84.

Early life and education

Toha was born in Solo (also spelled Surakarta), Central Java, on 29 April 1942. He completed his secondary education at SMEAN II Solo.

He earned a Bachelor of Economics degree from Gadjah Mada University. He later pursued further studies at the University of Western Australia in Perth, where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree with First Class Honours and received the J A Wood Memorial Award from the Faculty of Economics and Commerce. He was a classmate of Boediono, who later became Vice President of Indonesia, during his time at the university.

After completing his studies, Toha taught Operations Research and conducted marketing research at the same faculty.

He was an active columnist and writer. His writings often addressed politics, democracy, Islam, civil liberties, and social criticism in a style described as sharp but reflective.

House of Representatives (2004–2009)

In the 2004 legislative election, Toha was elected as a member of the House of Representatives for the Banten II electoral district, covering Lebak and Pandeglang regencies. He served from 1 October 2004 to 30 September 2009.

During his tenure, Toha served as: Deputy Chair of Commission I of the DPR (defense and security)

Personal life

Toha was married to Ning Salma. The couple had three children.