Soeharto, Indonesia’s second president, has since been declared a “national hero” posthumously. Yet this designation has led to significant protest, criticism and dialogue regarding his legacy. Soeharto ultimately ruled Indonesia for 32 years, from 1967 until his resignation in the face of massive protests and economic crisis in 1998. Under his leadership, underground economic growth has been extraordinary and tectonic political change has been remarkable in its avoidance. It equally finds itself under fire for grave allegations of human rights abuses and crushing free expression.
Soeharto’s rise to power occurred due to a military coup that removed the first president, Sukarno, in 1967 from power. A former corporal in the Dutch colonial army, Soeharto leveraged his military background to consolidate power, positioning himself as a staunch anti-communist leader. His regime violently suppressed supposed communists. Her violent campaign to recapture the governorship arguably resulted in more than a half million deaths. Throughout this period of state terror, the West—most prominently, Washington—supported Soeharto. As long as he was fighting communism, they ignored his brutal tactics in Indonesia and East Timor.
Economic Growth and Political Stability
Under Soeharto’s presidency, Indonesia experienced unprecedented economic development. It has changed from being the poorest country in the region to one of the most established economies in South-east Asia. His government introduced policy after policy designed to woo foreign capital and advance industrialization. During this time federal and local governments worked together to develop new infrastructure and advance education and health care access.
This economic growth came at an equally high cost. The regime cracked down on all forms of political opposition, leaving a culture of fear and repression in their wake. Those who dared to speak out were violently repressed, with many brutally imprisoned or murdered. Human rights groups have criticized Soeharto’s regime for decades for its authoritarian rule.
“It is part of how we honour our predecessors, especially our leaders, who undoubtedly have made extraordinary contributions to the nation and the country.” – Prasetyo Hadi
These policies, though largely successful in the short term, did create systemic vulnerabilities. The Asian financial crisis of 1997 precipitated a downturn that exposed deep-seated issues within the Indonesian economy, leading to widespread discontent among the populace.
The Dark Side of Leadership
Despite his contributions to Indonesia’s economic landscape, Soeharto’s legacy remains contentious due to his role in widespread human rights abuses. His military actions reached beyond Indonesia’s borders, most infamously during the invasion and subsequent occupation of East Timor in 1975. This vicious campaign led to hundreds of thousands of deaths and widespread international outrage.
Beyond these founding atrocities, Soeharto was widely accused of the military’s violent crimes while he served in the military. Many experts and activists argue that his designation as a national hero overlooks the devastating impact of his rule on countless lives.
Thousands of protesters are hoping to convince the city to reverse this latest recognition. On actions, they chant such strong demands as “No More Whitewashing the Butcher General.” Activists insist that as we recognize Soeharto’s economic accomplishments, we must remember the pain caused by his dictatorship.
“Thousands died but the country chose to forget.” – Protesters
Freedom from Debt Coalition critics laments that by honoring Soeharto as a national hero, the administration tries to erase the importance of facing the past and reconciling with it.
“[Soeharto], as someone suspected of being involved in human rights violations, state violence and various offences related to human rights abuses, does not deserve to be awarded the title of national hero.” – Dimas Bagus Arya
Controversial Recognition
The decision to posthumously recognize Soeharto as a national hero has ignited debates regarding historical memory and national identity in Indonesia. This national recognition pumps him up to a Cirque du Soleil level of popular movers and shakers. He now joins Sukarno and many women’s rights activists who have molded Indonesia’s development for the better.
Despite the controversies surrounding Soeharto’s legacy, his political party, Golkar, continues to play a significant role in contemporary Indonesian politics. Many within the party reconcile his path by arguing that his hand was forced because of the Cold War situation. They claim that these actions were crucial for saving national order.
Fadli Zon, a prominent Golkar figure, defended the decision by stating, “We have conducted research. All of them have met the requirements.” This claim through the wormhole. This statement is part of a broader push by the supporters to cast the public’s view of Soeharto’s period.
