Suharto
Explore the life of Suharto (1921–2008), Indonesia’s second—and longest—president. This article traces his rise from humble beginnings, his military and political ascent, his three decades in power, the controversies of his “New Order,” and how his rule shapes Indonesia’s memory and politics today.
Introduction
Suharto (often spelled Soeharto) was an Indonesian military leader and political figure who served as the country’s second President from 1967 to 1998. New Order (Orde Baru), is one of the most consequential and controversial chapters in Indonesia’s modern history: a period of rapid economic growth and modernization on one hand, and authoritarian governance, human rights abuses, and corruption on the other.
His legacy continues to polarize Indonesians: he is remembered by some as a stabilizing force who brought development and national cohesion, and by others as a dictator whose regime suppressed dissent, enabled massive corruption, and perpetrated grave injustices.
Early Life and Family
Suharto was born on June 8, 1921 in Kemusuk, a hamlet near Yogyakarta in Central Java, then part of the Dutch East Indies.
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His father, Kertosudiro, worked as a minor irrigator official; his mother was Sukirah.
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The parents separated early in Suharto’s life, and he was often raised by relatives or foster parents.
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As a child, Suharto moved among several rural villages due to financial constraints and family circumstances.
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His formal schooling ended relatively early; he attended primary and middle schooling locally but did not complete higher education in colonial schools.
These humble origins—and lack of elite colonial education—set Suharto apart from many of the nationalists of his generation and shaped his self-image as a leader from modest roots.
Military Career and Rise to Power
Early military service and wartime years
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In 1940, under Dutch colonial rule, Suharto enlisted in the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army (KNIL).
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During the Japanese occupation (1942–1945), Suharto joined Japanese-organized auxiliary forces and local security units.
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After Indonesia declared independence in 1945, Suharto joined the newly formed Indonesian Army, participating in the struggle against returning colonial powers and internal rebellions.
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Over the 1950s and early 1960s, he held various military roles: fighting regional rebellions, commanding troops in Java, and gradually climbing ranks.
The 1965 coup, purges, and consolidation
In late September and early October 1965, six top generals were kidnapped and killed (the events known as the 30 September Movement, or G30S).
Using that crisis, Suharto, as a commander of the Army Strategic Reserve (Kostrad), maneuvered to take control of the armed forces and gradually sidelined President Sukarno.
In the ensuing anti-communist purge, hundreds of thousands—some estimates ranging 400,000–500,000—were killed or detained.
By March 1967, Sukarno was pressured to hand over key powers; Suharto became acting president, and by March 1968 was formally installed as President.
Presidency and the New Order (1967–1998)
Political structure and control
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Suharto’s regime was built on a strong central executive authority buttressed by the military’s dual role (dwifungsi: military participation in governance).
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He institutionalized Pancasila (the five foundational principles of the Indonesian state) as the sole accepted ideology for political organizations and public institutions.
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Political parties were tightly controlled; elections were staged but heavily managed to ensure regime dominance (especially via Golkar, the government-aligned organization).
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Surveillance, censorship, and suppression of dissent (especially leftist or Islamic groups perceived as threats) became systemic.
Economic policies and development
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After taking power, Suharto inherited hyperinflation (over 600% annually) under Sukarno. He brought in technocratic economists, sometimes dubbed the “Berkeley Mafia,” to implement market reforms.
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Over the 1970s–1990s, Indonesia recorded sustained GDP growth (averaging 5–7% per year), reduction in poverty, improvements in infrastructure, and diversification of the economy.
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However, the economy became increasingly dependent on resource exports (oil, gas), foreign capital, and foreign debt.
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A major financial shock came during the 1997 Asian financial crisis, which severely disrupted Indonesia’s banking sector, currency, and corporate sector.
Controversies, corruption, and authoritarian practices
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Suharto’s regime became notorious for pervasive corruption, nepotism, and patronage networks centered on his family and close associates.
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Large state companies, infrastructure contracts, and resource concessions were often steered toward regime cronies.
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Human rights abuses occurred in various parts of the archipelago: in East Timor (after its invasion in 1975), in Aceh, in Papua, and in violent suppression of protests.
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Political space was severely constrained: press censorship, intimidation of opposition, control of mass organizations, and the use of security forces to quell dissent.
Downfall and Later Years
Collapse of Suharto era
By 1998, Indonesia was in deep crisis. The Asian financial crash had caused the rupiah to collapse, corporate bankruptcies, skyrocketing unemployment, and social unrest.
Student protests erupted across the country, calling for political reform and Suharto’s resignation.
On May 21, 1998, under mounting pressure, Suharto resigned from the presidency.
His successor was B. J. Habibie, who took over as transitional president.
Post-presidency, health, and legacy
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After stepping down, Suharto retreated from public life, living under protection and avoiding significant prosecution.
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His family, including sons Tommy and Bambang, were subject to corruption investigations, lawsuits, and controversies.
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His health deteriorated: he was hospitalized repeatedly for strokes, kidney problems, and other ailments.
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Suharto died on January 27, 2008, in Jakarta.
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After his death, debates about his legacy have continued. Some Indonesians nostalgia for the “order and growth” of his era; others vehemently criticize the injustices and corruption that became entrenched.
Historical Milestones & Context
| Year / Period | Milestone | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1921 | Born in Kemusuk, Java | 1940 | Joins KNIL; becomes sergeant | 1945–1950s | Military roles during revolution and internal conflicts | 1965 | G30S/PKI events; Suharto ascends toward power | 1967 | Becomes acting President | 1968 | Formally installed as President | 1975 | Invasion and occupation of East Timor begins | Late 1970s–1990s | “New Order” growth era, but also entrenchment of authoritarianism | 1997 | Asian financial crisis hits Indonesia | 1998 | Suharto resigns amid protests | 2008 | Suharto passes away
These events situate Suharto’s rule within Cold War geopolitics, economic globalization, and Southeast Asia’s transitions. Legacy and InfluenceSuharto’s legacy is deeply contested. Key dimensions:
In sum, Suharto’s rule reshaped Indonesia’s political, economic, and social landscape in lasting ways: some beneficial (for growth, unity), many problematic (for justice, democracy, institutional culture). Personality, Style, and Governance PhilosophySuharto’s leadership can be characterized by:
These traits helped him maintain control for decades, but also concentrated costs (in corruption, repression, weak institutions) in ways that became unsustainable. Famous Quotes Attributed to SuhartoFinding reliable, well-documented quotes from Suharto is more difficult than for democratic leaders or intellectuals. Many attributed statements reflect public speeches or regime propaganda. Below are a few that circulate in Indonesian public discourse (with caution about their sourcing):
Because Suharto’s regime heavily controlled media and public discourse, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish genuinely spontaneous quotes from propagandistic or regime-enabled ones. Lessons and ReflectionsStudying Suharto’s life and rule yields several lessons, especially for students of politics, governance, and Southeast Asia history:
ConclusionSuharto remains one of Indonesia’s most consequential figures: commanding economic growth, national cohesion, and state capacity for decades—but also embodying the dark side of centralized power, corruption, and human rights violations. His era’s end ushered in Indonesia’s “Reformasi” period, yet many institutional legacies and contested memories persist. To understand modern Indonesia—its challenges, political culture, and ambitions—it is essential to reckon with both the achievements and the tragedies of the Suharto era. Articles by the author
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