History of Suharto

Suharto, one of Indonesia's longest-serving and most controversial leaders, was a central figure in the country's political landscape for over three decades, exerting a profound influence on its direction and development. His rise to power, tenure, and eventual fall from grace represent a period of significant transformation and turbulence in Indonesian history.

Born on June 8, 1921, in Kemusuk, a small village near Yogyakarta, Suharto's early life was marked by his modest upbringing. His parents were rice farmers and his education was frequently disrupted by family and economic issues. Suharto entered the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army (KNIL) as a cadet in 1940, and his military career took off after he joined the Indonesian nationalist forces during the struggle for independence following World War II. The experience gained during this tumultuous time proved invaluable for Suharto, ingraining in him a strong sense of discipline and strategic acumen that would later define his political career.

The turning point for Suharto came in the tumult of the mid-1960s, a time of immense political unrest in Indonesia. At the time, Indonesia was under the leadership of Sukarno, the charismatic first President and a leading figure in the anti-colonial struggle. However, Sukarno's governance was increasingly challenged by a collapsing economy, hyperinflation, and growing tensions between the military and the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI).

On the night of September 30, 1965, a coup attempt by a group within the military, allegedly supported by the PKI, resulted in the assassination of six top generals. Suharto, then a major general commanding the strategic reserve, moved swiftly. He suppressed the coup and blamed the events on the communists. In the subsequent anti-communist purges, hundreds of thousands of people were killed or imprisoned. These violent events helped Suharto consolidate his power, leveraging public fear and the military’s increased authority.

By 1967, Suharto had effectively sidelined Sukarno and assumed the presidency. He officially became President in 1968, marking the beginning of the New Order era. Suharto’s rule was characterized by a focus on economic development, political stability, and strong, centralized control. Recognizing the need for economic reform, he abandoned Sukarno’s autarkic policies and, with the help of a team of Western-educated economists known as the "Berkeley Mafia," introduced market-friendly reforms. These efforts led to significant economic growth, reducing poverty and improving infrastructure. Indonesia became one of the Asian Tigers, experiencing a boom that transformed it from an agrarian society to an emerging industrial power.

However, Suharto’s tenure was not without controversy. His administration was marked by significant human rights abuses, widespread corruption, and repression of political dissent. He maintained an authoritarian grip on power, dissolving opposition parties and restricting political freedoms. The military, under his regime, played a central role in policing the country, leading to numerous human rights violations, particularly in regions like Aceh, East Timor, and Papua.

East Timor, in particular, became a significant blot on Suharto’s legacy. Following Indonesia’s invasion and annexation of the former Portuguese colony in 1975, the Indonesian military conducted a brutal campaign against resistance movements. It is estimated that as many as 200,000 East Timorese died due to violence, starvation, and disease, leading to international condemnation.

Throughout the 1980s and into the 1990s, Suharto continued to manipulate political processes to maintain his hold on power. He systematically weakened political opposition and controlled media narratives. Corruption flourished, with Suharto’s family and cronies amassing substantial wealth through preferential access to business opportunities and government contracts. His wife, known as Madam Tien or “Mrs. Tien Percent” due to her alleged involvement in corrupt deals, and his children became some of the wealthiest figures in Indonesia.

The Asian Financial Crisis of 1997-1998 exposed the fragilities in Suharto’s New Order. The economic collapse led to mass unemployment, skyrocketing inflation, and widespread unrest. Public discontent, along with pressure from international bodies such as the International Monetary Fund, undermined Suharto’s authority. Protests erupted across the country, demanding reform and Suharto’s resignation.

On May 21, 1998, amid rising demands for reform and after losing the support of the military and political elites, Suharto resigned, ending his 31-year rule. His fall ushered in a period of democratization and reform, often referred to as the Reformasi era. Indonesia began to reconstruct its political landscape, transitioning towards a more open and democratic system.

In the post-presidential years, Suharto lived a largely reclusive life, facing ongoing allegations of corruption. In 2000, TIME magazine reported that Suharto and his family had amassed billions of dollars in various countries, although legal proceedings against him were frequently hindered by claims of ill health. Suharto passed away on January 27, 2008, at the age of 86, leaving behind a complicated legacy.

Suharto's impact on Indonesia is undeniable—his policies transformed the country economically and infrastructurally, yet at a significant cost to human rights and democratic ideals. His legacy remains contested, reflecting the complex interplay of progress and authoritarianism that defined his New Order regime.