Suharto, Indonesian general and politician, 2nd President of Indonesia (b. 1921)

Suharto: The Defining Figure of Indonesia's New Order Era

Suharto (8 June 1921 – 27 January 2008) was a prominent Indonesian army officer and politician who served as the second President of Indonesia. His tenure, spanning 31 years from 1967 until his resignation in 1998, made him the longest-serving head of state in the nation's history. Widely characterized by international observers as a military dictator, Suharto's rule ushered in what became known as the "New Order" (Orde Baru), an authoritarian regime that profoundly shaped modern Indonesia. The enduring legacy of his three-decade leadership, particularly regarding its socio-economic impacts, human rights record, and allegations of vast corruption, continues to be a subject of intense debate both within Indonesia and globally.

Early Life and Ascendancy in the Military

Born in the modest village of Kemusuk, situated within the Godean area near the historic city of Yogyakarta, Suharto's early life unfolded during the Dutch colonial era. He was raised in humble circumstances, a background often highlighted in official narratives of his rise. Following the divorce of his Javanese Muslim parents shortly after his birth, he spent much of his childhood under the care of foster families. This formative period instilled in him a pragmatic outlook that would later define his political career.

His military career began during the tumultuous Japanese occupation of Indonesia (1942-1945), a period crucial for shaping future Indonesian leadership. Suharto joined the Japanese-organized Indonesian security forces, specifically the Defenders of the Homeland (Pembela Tanah Air - PETA), where he received fundamental military training. This experience proved invaluable as Indonesia moved towards independence. During the subsequent Indonesian National Revolution (1945-1949), he distinguished himself within the newly formed Indonesian Army. By the time Indonesia achieved full sovereignty, Suharto had rapidly ascended through the ranks, attaining the significant position of Major General.

The Tumultuous Rise to Power: The 1965 Coup and its Aftermath

Suharto's definitive path to the presidency began with the dramatic events of 30 September and 1 October 1965. An attempted coup, often referred to as Gerakan 30 September (G30S), unfolded, which was swiftly countered by troops under Suharto's command. According to the official narrative propagated by the Indonesian Army, this coup attempt was orchestrated and backed by the Communist Party of Indonesia (PKI), then one of the largest communist parties in the world outside of communist states.

In the immediate aftermath, the army spearheaded a brutal, nationwide anti-communist purge. This widespread violence resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of alleged communists and their sympathizers, devastating the PKI and altering Indonesia's political landscape irreversibly. During this period of immense upheaval, Suharto systematically consolidated power, gradually wresting authority from Indonesia's charismatic founding president, Sukarno. In March 1966, Suharto secured the Supersemar (Surat Perintah Sebelas Maret – Order of Eleven March), a crucial document that effectively transferred executive authority to him, although Sukarno officially remained president for a period. Suharto was appointed acting president in 1967 and formally elected president the following year.

To solidify his control and minimize the lingering influence of his predecessor, Suharto initiated a comprehensive social and political campaign known as "de-Sukarnoization." This effort aimed to dismantle Sukarno's ideological legacy, remove his imagery, and marginalize his supporters, ensuring the supremacy of the New Order's principles.

The New Order: Stability, Growth, and Authoritarianism (1967-1998)

Under his "New Order" administration, Suharto meticulously constructed a highly centralized, strong, and military-dominated government. A key policy was the "Dwi Fungsi ABRI" (Dual Function of the Armed Forces), which institutionalized the military's significant role not only in defense and security but also in socio-political affairs, permeating all levels of administration.

For much of the 1970s and 1980s, Suharto's presidency enjoyed significant domestic support, bolstered by claims of maintaining stability across Indonesia's vast and diverse archipelago. His avowedly anti-communist stance proved particularly advantageous during the Cold War, securing substantial economic and diplomatic support from Western nations, who viewed Indonesia as a crucial bulwark against communism in Southeast Asia. This foreign aid and investment contributed significantly to Indonesia's economic development.

During the New Order era, Indonesia experienced impressive economic growth, marked by significant industrialization and improved levels of educational attainment. Suharto's government, often advised by Western-trained economists dubbed the "Berkeley Mafia," implemented technocratic policies focused on economic stability, export-oriented industrialization, and infrastructure development. Poverty rates declined, and access to basic services expanded.

Achievements of the New Order:
  • Sustained economic growth (averaging 7% annually for two decades).
  • Significant industrialization and infrastructure development.
  • Reduction in poverty rates and improved living standards for many.
  • Expansion of education and healthcare services.
  • Relative political stability over a vast and diverse nation.

However, the New Order was also characterized by increasing authoritarianism and widespread corruption, which became growing sources of discontent by the 1990s. Political freedoms were severely curtailed, dissent was suppressed, and human rights abuses, particularly in regions like East Timor, Aceh, and West Papua, were extensively documented. Corruption, often referred to by the acronym KKN (Korupsi, Kolusi, Nepotisme – Corruption, Collusion, Nepotism), became systemic, deeply embedding itself within state enterprises and the economy, largely benefiting Suharto's family and cronies.

The Fall from Power and Legacy

The cracks in Suharto's seemingly impregnable regime became undeniable with the onset of the 1997 Asian financial crisis. The crisis severely impacted Indonesia, leading to a dramatic depreciation of the rupiah, widespread bankruptcies, soaring unemployment, and a sharp decline in living standards. This economic turmoil ignited widespread social and political unrest, culminating in massive student protests and riots across the country in May 1998.

Under immense pressure from domestic and international communities, and facing the complete erosion of public confidence, Suharto finally resigned from the presidency on 21 May 1998, bringing an end to his 31-year rule. He passed away on 27 January 2008 and was accorded a state funeral, a gesture that itself sparked debate given the controversies surrounding his regime.

Suharto's legacy remains profoundly divisive. While some credit him with bringing stability and economic development to a nascent nation, others vehemently condemn his authoritarianism, human rights violations, and extensive corruption. Transparency International, a global anti-corruption organization, has consistently identified Suharto as one of the most corrupt leaders in modern history, alleging he embezzled an estimated US$15–35 billion during his time in power. This figure often includes wealth allegedly accumulated through various channels, including state funds, monopolies, and businesses controlled by his family. Debates continue in Indonesia regarding proposals to award Suharto the status of National Hero, highlighting the unresolved historical reckoning with his complex and impactful presidency.

Frequently Asked Questions About Suharto and the New Order

Who was Suharto?
Suharto was the second and longest-serving President of Indonesia, leading an authoritarian regime known as the "New Order" from 1967 to 1998.
How long did Suharto rule Indonesia?
Suharto ruled Indonesia for 31 years, from 1967 until his resignation in 1998.
How did Suharto come to power?
Suharto rose to power following an attempted coup in 1965, which he attributed to the Communist Party of Indonesia (PKI). He then led an anti-communist purge and gradually took power from Indonesia's first president, Sukarno.
What were the key characteristics of Suharto's "New Order"?
The New Order was characterized by a strong, centralized, and military-dominated government, significant economic growth and industrialization, but also by widespread authoritarianism, suppression of dissent, and systemic corruption.
Why did Suharto resign in 1998?
Suharto resigned in May 1998 amidst the severe impact of the 1997 Asian financial crisis, which triggered widespread economic hardship, massive student protests, and civil unrest across Indonesia.
What is Suharto's legacy?
Suharto's legacy is highly debated; he is credited with economic development and stability but also widely criticized for human rights abuses, authoritarian rule, and massive corruption. Transparency International estimates he embezzled US$15–35 billion during his rule.