Suharto

Indonesia state institutions Counter-revolution

1921.6.8.–2008.1.27. ○ Natural death

Indonesian military dictator who led the anti-communist purge of 1965 and ruled for 32 years

Born near Yogyakarta in the Dutch colonial era, Suharto served in Japanese-organised security forces during the occupation, joined the new Indonesian Army in the independence struggle and rose to major general. After his troops countered the attempted coup of 1965, the army led a nationwide violent anti-communist purge; he became acting president in 1967 and president the next year. Under his military-dominated New Order he ordered the invasion of East Timor in 1975. When the 1997 Asian financial crisis wrecked the economy and protests and riots spread, he resigned on 21 May 1998.

Activities and affiliations

1945–1967

Indonesia state institutionsArmy general
Military command
1967–1998

Indonesia state institutionsPresidentMain
Government and administration
1969–1998

Golkar (Party of Functional Groups)
Political and party leadership

Career Timeline

1961.03.06Commander of the Army Strategic Reserve
1965.10.01Counters the attempted coup; anti-communist purge
1967.03Acting President
1968–1998.05.21President

Related historical events

1997.07.02–1998.09.23The Asian financial crisis and South Korea's IMF crisisPresident of IndonesiaSigned three letters of intent with the IMF but resigned on 21 May 1998, after 32 years, amid the collapse of the rupiah and riots.