Agung Hajjah Andi Depu

Andi Depu (August 1, 1907 – June 18, 1985) was an Indonesian revolutionary and leader of the Mandarese people against the Dutch during the Indonesian National Revolution. She was the first female high king or Maharani in Indonesia.

Early life Depu was born on August 1, 1907, in Tinambung, Polewali Mandar, in present-day West Sulawesi. She was a royal child of the 50th king of Balanipa, Laqju Kanna Idoro. As a child, Depu enjoyed climbing trees, riding horses and playing war games. She was also sociable and enjoyed hanging out with different people in Mandar.

Revolution In 1923, Andi Depu married Andi Baso Pabiseang. Her married life eventually turned strained because of their contradicting beliefs—she was willing to defend the land against Dutch imperialism, while her husband was in favor of Dutch colonial governance over the Indonesian Archipelago—leading to their divorce. Depu and her son, Andi Parenrengi, joined the movement against the government of the Dutch East Indies. Depu did not raise much suspicion as a dissident due to her gender. Depu led the establishment of the pro-Japanese Fujinkai in Mandar to tackle the struggles of women in the region.

In the end, however, the Dutch were able to capture Depu. In December 1949, she was arrested by the Netherlands Indies Civil Administration and was tortured. She was later released.