History of Suharto

Suharto, one of the pivotal figures in Indonesia’s modern history, emerged as an influential political leader in Southeast Asia during the 20th century. His trajectory from military officer to the President of Indonesia encapsulates both the tumultuous periods of Indonesia’s post-independence history and the long-standing impacts of his New Order regime. Below is an exploration of Suharto the politician and the historical context that shaped his rise and rule.

**Early Life and Military Career**

Suharto was born on June 8, 1921, in Kemusuk, a small village near Yogyakarta, in the Dutch East Indies. His early life was marked by economic difficulties, and he received a relatively modest education. He joined the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army (KNIL) in 1940 but soon moved to Indonesian nationalist forces following the Japanese occupation of Indonesia in World War II. After the war, he joined the newly formed Indonesian National Army and quickly rose through the ranks, owing to his leadership skills and operational successes, such as leading his troops to victory in an attack on Dutch strongholds during the Indonesian National Revolution.

**Rise to Power**

The pivotal moment in Suharto’s political career came after a series of dramatic events in 1965. Indonesia was in a state of political agitation, marked by tension between the Indonesian Nationalist Party (PNI), the Communist Party of Indonesia (PKI), and the military. On September 30, 1965, a coup attempt known as the 30th September Movement claimed the lives of six Indonesian generals. Major General Suharto, then the commander of the Army Strategic Reserve Command (KOSTRAD), took swift action to suppress the coup.

Leveraging this crisis, Suharto orchestrated a counteraction against the communists, resulting in a violent anti-communist purge that led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of Indonesians over the following months. The power vacuum and the ensuing political chaos allowed Suharto to sideline President Sukarno, first by obtaining emergency powers and eventually through diplomatic maneuvering that would see Sukarno's authority effectively transferred to Suharto by 1967. Sukarno was placed under house arrest, and Suharto was formally appointed as Acting President by Indonesia’s parliament in March 1967.

**The New Order Regime**

In March 1968, Suharto was officially inaugurated as President of Indonesia. His rule came to be known as the "New Order" era, during which he sought to stabilize Indonesia and shift away from Sukarno's chaotic and confrontational politics. Suharto’s regime emphasized economic development, national unity, and anti-communism. His administration was characterized by the dominance of the military in governmental affairs, a crackdown on dissent, suppression of political opposition, and persecution of ethnic Chinese Indonesians.

Under Suharto's rule, Indonesia experienced significant economic growth and industrialization, transforming from an agrarian economy to an increasingly diversified one. This was achieved by opening up to foreign investment, implementing large-scale infrastructure projects, and liberalizing policies that invited the influx of Western capital and technology. The reforms initially proved successful; annual GDP growth rates soared, poverty rates were slashed, and Suharto was able to claim substantial developmental successes during his decades in power.

**Repressive Politics and Corruption**

However, Suharto’s Indonesia was also marked by authoritarianism and corruption. Despite economic progress, his government was a centralized, military-dominated autocracy. Political activity was heavily monitored, the press was censored, and agencies like the Kopkamtib (Operational Command for the Restoration of Security and Order) suppressed opposition. Suharto’s Golkar Party effectively monopolized political power, and genuine political pluralism was stifled.

Corruption became endemic during his presidency, with nepotism and crony capitalism thriving. Suharto’s family and close associates amassed vast wealth; the Suharto clique became intertwined with major business interests, giving rise to a culture of collusion and graft that penetrated all levels of the Indonesian government and economy.

**Decline and Fall**

Despite his hold on power, Suharto’s downfall began in the late 1990s as cracks appeared in the façade of the New Order. The Asian Financial Crisis of 1997-1998 severely affected Indonesia, revealing deep-seated vulnerabilities in the economy. The IMF's subsequent intervention, requiring controversial economic reforms, along with declining living standards, high unemployment, and rising inflation, led to widespread social unrest.

Massive protests erupted, driven by students and other groups, demanding Suharto's resignation. His previously indomitable grip on Indonesia began to loosen as support from military and political allies waned. Facing an untenable situation, Suharto resigned on May 21, 1998, ending 31 years of his presidency.

**Legacy**

Suharto left a mixed legacy. His tenure is credited with bringing stability and economic growth to Indonesia, yet it came at the cost of human rights abuses, authoritarian governance, and systematic corruption. Post-Suharto Indonesia has struggled with his legacy, navigating through political reforms and dealing with the socio-economic structures entrenched during his rule.

In conclusion, Suharto remains a complex and controversial figure, embodying the challenges of leadership, governance, and moral responsibility in the tapestry of Indonesia’s history. His life and career continue to be subjects of considerable study and debate, reflecting the enduring impact of his three-decade-long rule on Indonesia and beyond.