Biography of President Soeharto
President Soeharto, born as Haji Muhammad Soeharto on June 8, 1921, was an influential figure in Indonesian history. He served as the second President of Indonesia, ruling the country from 1967 to 1998. Soeharto was widely known for his authoritarian regime and his efforts to modernize and stabilize the nation, leading to considerable economic growth during his presidency. Let’s delve into the biography of this prominent leader.
Early Life and Military Career:
Soeharto was born in Kemusuk village, Yogyakarta, during the Dutch colonial period. His father, Kertosudiro, was a minor farmer, while his mother, Sukirah, was a homemaker. In 1940, Soeharto enlisted in the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army (KNIL) and received training at an officers’ school. During World War II, he was captured and held as a prisoner of war by the Japanese. After the war ended, Soeharto joined the newly formed Indonesian National Armed Forces, where he gradually rose through the ranks.
Ascent to Power:
Soeharto’s rise to power began in 1965, after a failed coup attempt by the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) led to widespread violence and political instability. As a military general, Soeharto took charge of restoring order and suppressing the communist movement. President Sukarno, the nation’s first president, appointed Soeharto as the Army Chief of Staff and later as the Acting President in 1967. Within a year, Soeharto assumed full power after deposing Sukarno.
Presidential Legacy:
Soeharto served as the president of Indonesia for an impressive 31 years, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in modern history. During his tenure, he implemented a series of policies known as the New Order, which aimed to foster economic development, maintain political stability, and achieve national unity. Soeharto prioritized industrialization and agriculture, attracting foreign investments and improving national infrastructure. This period witnessed rapid economic growth, transforming Indonesia into a regional power.
Controversies and Criticism:
Despite his accomplishments, Soeharto’s regime was marred by allegations of corruption, human rights abuses, and authoritarianism. Critics accused him of suppressing political dissent, censoring the media, and marginalizing certain ethnic and religious groups. The East Timor conflict and allegations of government corruption involving his family were particularly damaging to his reputation. Amid widespread protests, Soeharto resigned in May 1998, marking the end of his presidency and the beginning of a new era for Indonesia.
Legacy and Later Years:
Following his resignation, Soeharto retreated from public life. In 2000, he was indicted for corruption but was excused from standing trial due to health issues. Soeharto passed away on January 27, 2008, at the age of 86, leaving behind a complicated legacy. While some remember him for his economic achievements, others criticize his autocratic rule and human rights violations.
Overall, President Soeharto was a significant figure in Indonesian history, utilizing strong leadership to bring stability and unprecedented growth to his country. However, his regime’s contentious aspects underscore the complex nature of his legacy.
——————————-
20 Questions and Answers about Biography of President Soeharto:
1. When was President Soeharto born?
– President Soeharto was born on June 8, 1921.
2. Where was President Soeharto born?
– President Soeharto was born in Kemusuk village, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
3. What was President Soeharto’s full name?
– President Soeharto’s full name was Haji Muhammad Soeharto.
4. How long did President Soeharto serve as the President of Indonesia?
– President Soeharto served as the President of Indonesia for 31 years, from 1967 to 1998.
5. What was President Soeharto’s military background?
– President Soeharto was a military general and rose through the ranks of the Indonesian National Armed Forces.
6. How did President Soeharto come to power?
– President Soeharto took charge after a failed coup attempt by the Indonesian Communist Party in 1965, and he gradually assumed power from President Sukarno.
7. What were President Soeharto’s economic policies known as?
– President Soeharto’s economic policies were known as the New Order, aimed at fostering economic development and stability.
8. Which areas did President Soeharto prioritize for development?
– President Soeharto prioritized industrialization, agriculture, and improving national infrastructure.
9. What was the major conflict associated with President Soeharto’s regime?
– The East Timor conflict was a significant issue during President Soeharto’s regime.
10. What were some criticisms of President Soeharto’s rule?
– President Soeharto faced criticisms of corruption, human rights abuses, and suppressing political dissent.
11. When did President Soeharto resign?
– President Soeharto resigned in May 1998.
12. How long did President Soeharto rule as an autocrat?
– President Soeharto ruled Indonesia autocratically for over three decades.
13. What happened to President Soeharto after his resignation?
– After his resignation, President Soeharto retreated from public life due to health issues.
14. What were some achievements attributed to President Soeharto’s leadership?
– His leadership led to rapid economic growth, attracting foreign investments, and improving national infrastructure.
15. When did President Soeharto pass away?
– President Soeharto passed away on January 27, 2008.
16. What was President Soeharto’s legacy in Indonesian history?
– President Soeharto’s legacy remains complex, with some acknowledging his economic achievements while others criticize his autocratic rule.
17. How long did President Soeharto’s indictment for corruption last?
– President Soeharto’s indictment for corruption lasted from 2000 until his excusal from standing trial due to health issues.
18. Which ethnic and religious groups were marginalized during President Soeharto’s regime?
– Some ethnic and religious groups, such as Chinese Indonesians, faced marginalization during President Soeharto’s regime.
19. What was the political ideology of President Soeharto’s regime?
– President Soeharto’s regime was characterized by authoritarianism and was often described as a military dictatorship.
20. What is the New Order period synonymous with in Indonesian history?
– The New Order period is synonymous with a period of stability and rapid economic growth in Indonesian history.
