Lolo Soetoro was a name that came into the spotlight primarily due to his connection to former U.S. President Barack Obama, as Soetoro was Obama’s stepfather. But there is much more to Lolo Soetoro’s life than just his family ties. A geographer by profession, Soetoro lived a fascinating life that was deeply rooted in both Indonesia and the United States. From his academic pursuits in Hawaii to his role in Indonesia’s socio-political environment, Lolo was a man of many layers. His story is woven from threads of military service, cultural exchange, and a passion for education.
Though often remembered in history as Barack Obama’s stepfather, Lolo Soetoro’s life reflected a rich journey through academia, military service, and personal relationships. His contributions helped to bridge cultural divides, both in his native Indonesia and abroad. This article takes an in-depth look at his biography, personal life, physical attributes, career achievements, and more.
Lolo Soetoro Biography
Lolo Soetoro was born on January 2, 1935, in Bandung, Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia). Raised in a large family, Lolo was the eighth child out of ten siblings. After completing his schooling, Lolo went on to serve in the Indonesian Army, where he worked as a team member. His role in the military is not widely documented, but it was an important phase of his life, offering him the discipline and responsibility that would shape his future endeavors.
In the 1960s, Lolo relocated to Hawaii, where he pursued a master’s degree in Geography at the prestigious East-West Center in Honolulu. This academic journey proved crucial, not only in furthering his own career but also in establishing international connections that would influence his later life. It was in Hawaii that he met Stanley Ann Dunham, Barack Obama’s mother, whom he married in 1965. Through this marriage, he became the stepfather of a young Barack Obama, playing a significant role in shaping the future president’s worldview.
| Name | Lolo Soetoro |
| Nickname | Lolo Soetoro |
| Profession | Geographer, Indonesian Army Member |
| Date of Birth | January 2, 1935 |
| Death | March 2, 1987 |
| Birth Place | Bandung, Dutch East Indies (Indonesia) |
| Age at Death | 52 |
| Home Town | Bandung, Dutch East Indies |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Ethnicity | Will Get Soon |
| Nationality | Indonesian |
Lolo Soetoro Height, Weight, and Body Measurements
Lolo Soetoro was known to be a fit and healthy individual throughout his life. Standing at a height of 5 feet 2 inches (1.56 meters), he was relatively short compared to many men of his time, but he maintained a healthy physique.
| Height | 5 feet 2 inches (156 cm) |
| Weight | 61 kg (134 lbs) |
| Eye Colour | Blue |
| Hair Colour | Dark Brown |
| Skin Colour | Light |
| Dress Size | N/A |
| Shoe Size | 7 (US) |
Lolo Soetoro Wife, Family, and More
Lolo Soetoro’s family life was complex yet central to his personal identity. He came from a large family with nine siblings, making him the eighth child in the household. His most notable relationship was with Stanley Ann Dunham, whom he married in 1965. Their relationship had a profound influence on history because through this marriage, Soetoro became the stepfather to Barack Obama, who would later become the 44th President of the United States.
Lolo and Stanley Ann had one daughter together, Maya Soetoro-Ng, making Maya Barack Obama’s half-sister. The family lived in Indonesia for several years before Ann Dunham and the children moved back to Hawaii.
| Marital status | Married |
| Dating History | N/A |
| Wife | Stanley Ann Dunham |
| Father | Not Publicly Available |
| Mother | Not Publicly Available |
| Friend | Not Publicly Available |
| Sibling | 9 |
| Children | Maya Soetoro-Ng Barack Obama (Stepchild) |
Lolo Soetoro Personal Life
In his personal life, Lolo Soetoro was known to be a quiet, thoughtful individual who enjoyed simple pleasures like reading and spending time with family. Though he was a Christian, Lolo lived in Indonesia, a predominantly Muslim country, showing a deep respect for cultural and religious diversity. He was a passionate geographer, and his love for maps and the natural world would often influence his conversations.
One lesser-known fact about Lolo Soetoro was his struggle with alcohol addiction during later years, which may have contributed to some of the difficulties in his personal life. Despite these challenges, Lolo maintained a close relationship with his family and remained a key figure in shaping Barack Obama’s early understanding of the world.
| Blood Group | Will Get Soon |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Zodiac sign | Capricorn |
Lolo Soetoro Career and Achievements
Lolo Soetoro’s career was a blend of military service and academia. His time in the Indonesian Army provided him with a strong foundation in leadership and discipline. However, it was his move into the field of Geography that allowed him to leave a lasting legacy.
In the 1960s, Lolo traveled to Hawaii to pursue a master’s degree in Geography at the East-West Center, a well-known educational institution in Honolulu. His contributions as a geographer and academic are less documented but were significant within Indonesia, as he played a role in shaping the country’s approach to geography and land management during a time of change.
- Profession: Geographer, Army Member
- Key Achievements: Graduated from East-West Center, Military service in Indonesia
Lolo Soetoro Net Worth
Lolo Soetoro’s career in academia and the military allowed him to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. At the time of his death in 1987, his net worth was estimated to be around $1 million. This was a significant sum during that period, especially in Indonesia. His wealth came primarily from his work as a geographer and his military service.
| Net Worth | $1 Million |
| Income Source | Geographer and his Military Service |
Lolo Soetoro School, College, and Education Details
Lolo Soetoro’s academic journey began in Indonesia but reached a pinnacle when he pursued higher education in the United States. After completing his schooling in Indonesia, he moved to Hawaii, where he attended the East-West Center in Honolulu, eventually earning a master’s degree in Geography. His time at the East-West Center marked a turning point in his life, as it not only enhanced his academic career but also connected him to global networks that influenced his later work.
| School | Will Get Soon |
| College | East-West Center in Honolulu |
| Education Qualifications | Degree in Geography |
Lolo Soetoro Favourite Things
Although many aspects of Lolo Soetoro’s personal preferences have been lost to time, a few of his favorite things have been recorded:
| Actor | Johnny Depp |
| Actress | N/A |
| Movie | Will Get Soon |
| TV Show | Will Get Soon |
| Destination | Japan |
| Song | Gravity |
| Food | Mexican cuisine |
| Sport | Football |
| Hobbies | Reading Books, Playing Football, and Traveling |
Lolo Soetoro Social Media Accounts
Given that Lolo Soetoro lived in a time before the advent of social media, he did not have any online presence. His legacy, however, continues to live on through the memories shared by those who knew him and historical records.
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Lolo Soetoro Facts
- Lolo Soetoro was Barack Obama’s stepfather and played an important role in shaping his understanding of cultural diversity.
- He served in the Indonesian Army before moving to the United States for his academic pursuits.
- Lolo struggled with alcohol addiction later in life.
- He was a Christian despite living in predominantly Muslim Indonesia.
- Lolo was deeply interested in geography and research, passions that defined much of his career.
- He passed away at the age of 52 on March 2, 1987.
FAQs About Lolo Soetoro
He was born on January 2, 1935.
He was a geographer and a member of the Indonesian Army.
He was married to Stanley Ann Dunham, Barack Obama’s mother.
Lolo Soetoro passed away on March 2, 1987, though the cause of his death is not widely known.
Final Thoughts
Lolo Soetoro was more than just a historical footnote as Barack Obama’s stepfather. He was a man of deep intellect, curiosity, and a passion for geography. His contributions to both the Indonesian military and the academic world stand as a testament to his dedication to bridging cultures and fostering understanding across borders. Through his influence on the future U.S. President, Lolo’s legacy continues to shape the world today, making him a unique figure in the intersection of global politics and personal history.