Suharto

Suharto
Name	Suharto
Caption	Suharto in 1993
Office	2nd President of Indonesia
Term start	12 March 1967
Term end	21 May 1998
Predecessor	Sukarno
Successor	B. J. Habibie
Birth date	08 June 1921
Birth place	Kemusuk, Dutch East Indies
Death date	27 January 2008
Death place	Jakarta, Indonesia
Spouse	Siti Hartinah (m. 1947; died 1996)
Party	Golkar
Allegiance	Indonesia
Branch	Indonesian Army
Serviceyears	1940–1974
Rank	General of the Army
Battles	Indonesian National Revolution, Madiun Affair, APRA coup d'état, Operation Trikora, Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation, 30 September Movement

Suharto was an Indonesian military officer and politician who served as the second President of Indonesia from 1967 until his resignation in 1998. He rose to power following the tumultuous events surrounding the 30 September Movement and the subsequent political crisis that led to the sidelining of founding president Sukarno. His three-decade rule, known as the New Order, was characterized by rapid economic development, authoritarian control, and widespread corruption, ending amid the Asian financial crisis and massive pro-democracy protests.

Early life and military career

Born in the village of Kemusuk within the Dutch East Indies, he joined the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army and later the Japanese-sponsored Defenders of the Homeland during the Japanese occupation of the Dutch East Indies. Following the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence, he fought in the Indonesian National Revolution as a battalion commander in the newly formed Indonesian Army. His military career advanced steadily through regional commands in Central Java and Sulawesi, where he gained a reputation for effectively suppressing regional rebellions like the Darul Islam Rebellion and the PRRI/Permesta rebellion.

Rise to power

His path to national leadership was catalyzed by the 30 September Movement in 1965, a purported coup attempt during which six senior Indonesian Army generals were killed. As commander of the Kostrad strategic reserve, he led the military's counter-action, blaming the Indonesian Communist Party for the events. This triggered a violent anti-communist purge across Java and Bali, resulting in mass killings. He subsequently maneuvered to assume key executive authority, gradually marginalizing President Sukarno through a series of political maneuvers, culminating in the issuance of the Supersemar order in 1966, which transferred power to him.

Presidency

Formally appointed president by the People's Consultative Assembly in 1967, he established the New Order regime, which centralized power under the Indonesian Armed Forces and the state political vehicle, Golkar. His administration restored relations with Western nations and international financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Domestically, he maintained tight control through the Indonesian National Police, the state intelligence agency Bakin, and a pervasive network of informants, suppressing dissent from Islamic groups, student activists, and separatist movements in regions like East Timor and Aceh.

Economic development and corruption

His government oversaw significant economic growth through a group of U.S.-educated economists known as the Berkeley Mafia, who implemented market-oriented policies. This period saw major infrastructure projects, the expansion of the manufacturing sector, and the development of the Pertamina state oil company. However, this growth was accompanied by systemic corruption and crony capitalism, with lucrative monopolies and state contracts channeled to allies and family members, including his children Tutut, Bambang Trihatmodjo, and Tommy Suharto. The regime's financial practices were symbolized by the Petrus shootings and the Bank Duta scandal.

Fall from power and later life

The Asian financial crisis of 1997 devastated the Indonesian rupiah and economy, leading to widespread social unrest. Mass protests, notably the Trisakti shootings and subsequent riots in Jakarta, eroded his support from the military and political elite. Facing immense pressure, he resigned on 21 May 1998, transferring power to his vice president, B. J. Habibie. In his later years, he faced numerous legal challenges and attempts to prosecute him for corruption, but poor health prevented a trial. He died at the Gatot Soebroto Army Hospital in Jakarta from multiple organ failure.

Legacy

His legacy remains deeply contested in Indonesia and internationally. Supporters credit the New Order with delivering economic development, political stability, and national unity, transforming Indonesia into a regional power within ASEAN. Critics condemn the regime's severe human rights abuses, including the Indonesian mass killings of 1965–66, the Indonesian occupation of East Timor, and the May 1998 riots. The period is also synonymous with KKN (corruption, collusion, nepotism), whose effects continue to influence the nation's political and economic landscape.

Category:Presidents of Indonesia Category:Indonesian generals Category:New Order (Indonesia)