Soeharto: Picturization of The New Order.

The resignation of Soeharto, the second president of the Republic of Indonesia, in 1998 was symbolized
as a symbol of the inception of a new era in this democratic country. "The autocracy has been overthrown!" as
the people say who survive in the absence of democracy—an irony in an egalitarianism state. Soeharto has
numerous epithets; a brilliant and cunning thief, a bastard of democracy, and a vicious economic tiger.
The era of Soeharto's leadership is referred to the New Order, which means a large-scale reshuffle in the
change in the order of the government system. The New Order emerged from the collapse of the pioneering
directive, which was no longer able to maintain leadership. Soekarno is one of the founders of democracy in
this dilapidated country. Soekarno himself was an idealist who built the essence of democracy on three things.
The first is syncretism, the intertwining of conflicting elements or beliefs, such as assimilation and
acculturation between beliefs, which then constructs new inferences in the country. The principle of
syncretism creates an influence that makes Indonesia an ‘Integralistic State’, where the cultural diversity of
the nation does not create new contentions over heterogeneous societies but rather unites these discrepancies
as a single unity. Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, a slogan which means 'have lots of dissimilarities yet still unite';
berbeda-beda namun tetap satu, is the single embodiment of this conformity. Mohammad Hatta, who later
served as the first vice president of the Republic of Indonesia, embedded socialist-democratic notions in
creating an independent nation. The three elements above were eventually combined and assembled into the
independent Republic of Indonesia, which is referred to called the Old Order as well.
Meanwhile, Soeharto was someone who erased all traces vacated by the Old Order. He thought that the
system implemented in the Old Order era was ineffective and brought destruction to this unitary state.
Soeharto, someone from a military background, seized Sukarno's power at his lowest point, beginning with a
forced transition from a presidential to a parliamentary system. All the footholds that had been built slowly at
the beginning of the old government were then broken due to the main power buffer being deliberately
limited; President Soekarno was helpless in the midst of polemics over the power struggle between political
parties. The public anointed this conversion as a product of elite manipulation due to the beneficiaries were
exclusively elite bureaucrats and certain nobles. The whole government thus became dishevelled and in the
end, everything was reversed almost as heretofore, with the strengthening of centralization as a prominent
force that overwhelmed the voice of the people unilaterally. Not long after, miscellaneous nuisances arose at
once. This was not solely marked by the people who carry out extreme rebellions in remote territories of the
country, the obstacles to the economic outcome, the stagnation in the country's growth, as well as the
increasingly turbulent Indonesian political scheme. Unfortunately, Soekarno lacked competence in dealing
with ongoing issues, exposing a country to instability and dictatorship.
Democracy, which was gradually abolished by Soekarno in the last seconds of his supervision, made the
people yearn for a transformation of governance in the unexplored leadership. This incident was realized after
the bloody tragedy of the G30S-PKI, the killing of seven Indonesian generals by the Indonesian Communist
Party in 1965 as an act of rebellion to overthrow the government and create a new state foundation, giving
Soeharto the opportunity to clutch power.
Soeharto himself was a servant of the nation. He is an individual whose background in the military, to be
precise an Army General who was ordered to be assigned to Central Java. Soeharto succeeded in gaining state
power with the Supersemar; Warrant of Eleven March (Surat Perintah Sebelas Maret), which contained the
concrete handover of state power from Soekarno to him. Suharto, with the support of the military, succeeded
in occupying the presidency in a country that was on the verge of collapsing.
 There are three crucial elements that discern from the people. The democratization of the country should
be restored as Soekarno's centralized government resulted in catastrophic from people’s perspectives, and this
was proven by the realization of Indonesia, which was on the threshold of doom. There is evidence of the
country's immediate development in all provinces of Indonesia regarding development quiescence has formed
a void in infrastructure facilities between regions along with an economic disaster. The poverty experienced
triggered protests that culminated in extreme measures such as radical insurgencies; the resistance movement
of the Indonesian Communist Party and radical religious groups. For the people of Indonesia, Soekarno is an
initiator of independence whose tracks would not vanish throughout time, but he is not a good leader. Society
regarded that they were already decent enough to judge the quality of government in a democracy. In a
constantly evolving state, people went through a similar transition. The personality and mental defiance of the
colonialization period gave elevation to a longing from the educated lower classes of society; the proletariat,
and intelligent scholars to take part in politics; the technocrats.
The New Order began with a set of high expectations. Soeharto was aware that society has changed, as
well as the tactics of his governance. People's visions from below to increase people's political power,
re-formulation of state policies related to reducing centralization towards power pluralism, and the assumption
that political intelligence should no longer be left to politicians and ideologues but to technocrats. The
technocrats at that time had democratic and egalitarian stereotypes, indicating that the people wanted an equal
political reorientation. The alteration of power from the military and technocrats drastically made Soeharto
consider various things.
Soeharto's perspective on running the government was perhaps greatly influenced by his route of life. He
spent most of his life serving in the military. Soekarno's presidency, according to him, was not as efficient and
effective as the post-independence society's expectations, even the inability to finance the continuation of
military operations made members of the armed forces permitted by the president to requisition state-owned
property. In other meaning, members of the military are entitled to engage in various business transactions.
Suharto himself had a great interest in the business sector. He has a distinctive title slipped within the armed
forces, 'shameless thief', 'corrupt general' or 'impuritanical leader'. This nefarious nickname was finally
attached to the end of his presidential era in 1998. The bits of profits made in business were allocated as
military capitalization, but Soeharto kept the big profits for himself. In addition, the business was carried out
in a very undignified manner; illegal extortion and smuggling of goods, illegal bribery trading, confiscation of
private businesses, illegally controlling the distribution of kerosene in Central Java, along with the extortion
and persuasion of ethnic Chinese businessmen. In the space of two years, Soeharto dominated the business
sector and built two foundations that were ostensibly used for charitable purposes, which in fact were mere
rhetoric.
Soeharto's nature had been deeply entrenched since the Dutch colonialization era. He used to be a young
boy from a small town, most likely born from an illicit relationship, who had some hope of pursuing a career
under Dutch rule. He was a realist who had experienced powerlessness and wouldn't have a second thought
about quickly securing a position if the future willed him a fortune. Even after he succeeded in establishing a
successful business empire, Soeharto was still looking for various connected and experienced individuals, for
the sake of the presence of the extra cash flow and his business for decades.
As someone who was engaged in the military and business fields, Soeharto eventually immersed himself
in the sphere of politics. He got a golden goose egg; an opportunity to seize the power of the country which he
could not refuse. Once the power was grasped, Soeharto rose together with the people's objectives which
ended up being disappointed for the second time.
 Soeharto himself is a controversy. His leadership method was hit by a heap of harsh criticism from all
sides, yet amazingly impossible to overthrow him for thirty years. The economic circulation had gotten worse,
making people unable to do anything. He has an extraordinary gift that is rarely owned by anyone. Suharto
was blessed with exceptional leadership dexterity in managing organizations which was proven since the
position of General of the Army adhered, succeeding in the process of transforming a land that was on the
brink of bankruptcy into the Asian Economic Tiger. Not to mention, he has extraordinary greed which was
increasingly visible during his reign as well, which also causes suffering for the indigenous people.
On the verge of economic collapse, Soeharto set a priority for the stability of the country. He delivered
solutions that were realized through an open economy; widening opportunities for hundreds of foreign
investors to invest in the country. This economic rescue action should only give a momentary sigh of relief
because it was only intended to resolve short-term economic issues. However, the economic stability was
finally achieved in the New Order era over the years. Indonesia is no longer on the path to insolvency. Welfare
that has long been dreamed of is eventually real. Soeharto succeeded in resolving the most crucial issues in
this developing country. Regardless, the people did not show satisfaction.
This statement is based on Soeharto's style of governance which is relatively moving towards autocracy
rather than democracy. With the military as the backbone of Soeharto, Indonesia established a prolonged
repressive regime. This is furthermore due to Soeharto's view of the scope of Indonesian society which is
underlined by serious violence, the nature of profoundly ingrained ethnicity, and the apertures in social class,
showing disorder and indiscipline which is conveyed in the ineffectiveness of the legislative function in
carrying out its duties. Therefore, Soeharto took the bold effort of embarking on the military to play an
additional role, also known as dual-function; dwifungsi, allowing the armed forces in politics to form an
idealistic government. The military's suppression in the government sphere has resulted in the degradation of
the people's political rights very much against the people's primary intention. Nonetheless, this is the path that
Suharto decided. He moved against the democratisation that once gripped the land in despair.
Soeharto's picturizations of the New Order were established on multivarious cornerstones. The New
Order has merely instituted when he was in power, but his views, sentiments, and contemplation have shaped
his decisions and actions during the presidency. As is the case with the characteristics that have existed since
the Dutch colonial period; autocratic and totalitarian systems, trade monopolies, and severe corruption and
cronyism. Bureaucrats also played a strong role in decision-making in government. Democracy did not thrive,
and unfortunately, it was realized under Soeharto's leadership as well. The concentration of extreme power is
likewise associated with the leadership style of Javanese kings in Indonesia hundreds of years back. Some
stated that Soeharto had an admiration for the political leadership of the Javanese king which was based on
the concretization of authority at the hands of the rulers, as well as an emphasis on resolving disturbances and
chaos that occurred in any way as the main task of national politics. This style of extreme centralization was
ultimately reflected in his thirty years in power; a late realization of the dysfunctional role of the vice
president as a key holder of the government who has real and principal power and is used as a mere formality
for Soekarno to continue in power, as well as the succession to the subjugation of all government officials to
remain submissive to him in the long term. This has reminded the existence of a popular expression among
ministers, who always receive orders with the prefix, "On the instructions of the President". That way, no one
dared in defying the order.
Soeharto is known for constantly taking polemical actions, continually making himself the subject of
conversation throughout the country. His most shocking measure was the assessment and reshuffle of the
original Pancasila Ideology. Retrification of the initial ideology which includes the meaning of unity as a
whole, is simplified and reintroduced according to his will. The modification of the Pancasila ideology that
has eroded democracy that has been cracked for a long time has further highlighted the inability to protect the
people from extortion of rights. The understanding of unification, which instead of upholding tolerance
towards heterogeneous communities as a unit, is converted to an emphasis on unity into a single group; a
homogeneous society. Soeharto wanted equality, along with equality throughout the country. I hope he learns
from the G30S-PKI incident; Gerakan 30 September Partai Komunis Indonesia, arguing that Pancasila cannot
be used as a unifier of diversity.
For him, economic development stands as the number one priority. He believed that the country's
development would operate smoothly if the economy is not hampered. The ideology of Pancasila also
underwent an alteration for the sake of economic interests. A homogeneous society will make it easier for him
to find ways to increase prosperity, welfare, and security. Soeharto believed in depoliticization, which was
later realized by the state's decision to simplify political parties; made his party, the Golongan Karya Politic
Party (Golkar), dominate the seat of government for decades. Golkar's repeated victories in general elections
resulted in the strengthening of Soeharto's presidency. Other political parties that do not have much power
have no other choice but to step aside, which in turn also affects the decrease in the frequency of people
intervening in the political sphere. He is the late 1970s issued economic regulations that are increasingly
stifling. This assertiveness took the form of a determination to settle the legacy of the Old Order's unfinished
debt, as Soekarno left his responsibilities. On the other hand, Soeharto realized that economic tribulations
would not find an ending if he proceeded in a regular way. He habilitated by withdrawing state external aid;
massive foreign investment, and then focusing on improving internally; the capital was utilised for the
development of the country.
Economic growth this characterized by changing linkages in state institutions; with the bureaucracy elites,
military, state-owned corporations, natives, and people of Chinese descent, along with an outburst beginning
of belligerency by the natives toward the Chinese. Soeharto tended to cooperate with Chinese businessmen
and corporations to improve the country's economy, due to the stereotype of Chinese descent who have 'trader
blood', growing the disparity between the indigenous and ethnic Chinese in the country was significantly big.
Suharto assumably thought that driving investment through Chinese businessmen could help the country's
economy. He then ordered Chinese entrepreneurs to conceive franchises and protect the businesses that had
been run as well as possible, because they were state assets. His prediction was right on target; there was a
drastic increase rate in employment and state income, but at the same time it constructed a nasty sentiment
that the natives were just the 'working class' and could not beat the Chinese ethnics who amassed wealth in
their own country.
In the massive investments that are underway, both internally and externally, Soeharto never fails to grab
gains for himself, which is reflected in the corruption and cronyism between elite bureaucrats and state-owned
enterprises. Soeharto made remarkably good use of the abundant natural and human resources, sucking up the
sufferers until nothing was left. Corruption in the form of pieces of material property, which he distributes to
provide pensions for retired armed members; keeping them loyal and subservient to him, and also provide
work for relatives, friends and colleagues; nepotism that is even passed on to the current government officials.
Soeharto, indeed, used this opportunity to provide his family with enormous wealth. Patrimonialism political
culture; a regeneration system that prioritizes genealogical ties or inheritance by direct appointment, carried
out by Soeharto with full awareness, was truly dissenting to the democratic system that should be elected by
"the people's choice".
Thus, what about the law? There is a well-known slogan related to the law that was revealed, “tumpul ke
atas, runcing ke bawah”, often used to describe politicians and famous figures who managed to escape the
law as an abuse of power. The dictatorship of the second president of the Republic of Indonesia is not mere
nonsense. The repressive attitude that was channelled through his supporters, the military, elite bureaucrats,
and the Golkar political party was powerful enough to protect the regime. Coupled with the restoration of
understandings and regulations that overlapped with the current of his government, news about amendments
to the legislation no longer surprised the people. Soeharto assumed the ordinances and regulations of the
country should not be a stumbling deterrent to the improvement of the country. The revision of the Pancasila
ideology and the use of presidential regulations gave Soeharto and his accomplices more additional freedom
to act arbitrarily. Suharto took his leadership to an extreme; did not leave the slightest space to let everything
out of his reach as if he wanted to restore the glory of the colonial era which had clearly brought suffering to
the country.
The visualization of the New Order, which was concrete, widespread, and concentrated, would not be
unforeseen if Soeharto and his accomplices prevailed for a long period in the regime's leadership. The Golkar
Party, which has hegemonic political assertiveness and a majority vote in the House of Representatives, has
built a “historical duet” between the military and politics—indirectly establishing the era of the junta
supervision, enriched with suppression whether hidden or not, curbing various freedoms that are considered to
be as normality under the fear of him. Very few initiate insurrection because there are those who guess the
situation of the country without his presence; can anyone manage a country as good as Soeharto, even under
the shadow of oppression? The people certainly detest the countless acts of government corruption, and at the
time, they could not repudiate the validities of the outcome of an affluent and prosperous country. Soeharto
was a smart and slick man, making his economic development a symbol of untouched and effective politics,
as well as the most consequential legitimacy in the management of the polity. In order to achieve all of his
pursuits, Soeharto did not hesitate to manipulate; prolonged disintegration between political parties resulted in
conflict and the ineffectiveness of the people's legislature led the government towards political parties,
ultimately facilitating all government affairs in his hands. Fantastic early digestion, as well as a style that
continues clinging to his image to this day.
Democracy is left as a mere phrase. It was not unexpected that the overemphasis on freedom was in stark
contrast to the state of the country's economy moving toward capitalism. The people believed, this is no
different from the colonial era and the 'communist' Soekarno! In the end, the new generation, the young
people, couldn't hold the restraint any longer. The media, as the people's democracy channel, has issued
extremely harsh criticisms, which unfortunately have been suppressed again. There was a notorious heinous
act speculated to have taken place on Soeharto's mandates from 1981 to 1985; mysterious murders called
Petrus that functioned to annul the existence of the rebels, people who have the audacity to speak up and spit
criticism, as well as figures who are considered to be a threat to the security of his regime. Soeharto did not
hesitate to eliminate them—even their bodies have not been found to this day. The high regard for
homogeneity has also led to repressive actions against religion, which later forming to religious-based
rebellions, especially Islam, in various locations. Soeharto did all this with the speculation that it would bring
good to Indonesia. However, human rights violations? Soeharto seemed to have nudged the people a little too
hard this time.
The repugnance of the people eventually evolved even more intense until it finally exploded in the event
of the Asian Financial Crisis. Despite the country's rapid economic development, what else can be proud of
from the Suharto era? The demonstrations in 1998, the peak of bitterness and irritation that also consumed the
ethnic Chinese as victims of venting, became a tragedy that left marked wounds in the country. The
alleviation of the chaos was finally accomplished through his removal from the presidency, which initiated the
reformation era, as well as resurrecting a democracy that had been prolongedly dormant.
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