New Order Members: Who Shaped Indonesia's History?

The New Order (Orde Baru) was a pivotal period in Indonesian history, spanning from 1966 to 1998. Understanding the key players, the anggota (members), who shaped this era is crucial to grasping its complex legacy. This article dives deep into the prominent figures who influenced the political, economic, and social landscape of Indonesia during this time. We'll explore their roles, their impact, and the controversies that surrounded their involvement in the New Order regime. Guys, get ready to explore Indonesian history!

Suharto: The Architect of the New Order

No discussion of the New Order can begin without acknowledging Suharto, the central figure who dominated Indonesian politics for over three decades. Taking power amidst the tumultuous aftermath of the 30 September Movement in 1965, Suharto skillfully consolidated his authority, gradually sidelining President Sukarno. He presented himself as a stabilizing force, promising economic development and a break from the perceived chaos of the Sukarno era.

Suharto's rise was facilitated by a combination of factors. First, he enjoyed the support of the military, which played a crucial role in suppressing the communist movement following the 1965 events. Second, he skillfully cultivated alliances with various political factions, including nationalist and religious groups. Third, he successfully projected an image of competence and pragmatism, appealing to a population yearning for stability and economic progress.

During his long rule, Suharto implemented a series of policies aimed at transforming Indonesia's economy. The New Order government prioritized economic growth, attracting foreign investment and promoting industrialization. While these policies led to significant economic progress, they also resulted in increased inequality and environmental degradation. Furthermore, Suharto's regime was characterized by authoritarianism, with restrictions on political freedom, freedom of the press, and freedom of assembly. Criticism of the government was often met with repression, and political opponents were silenced or imprisoned.

Suharto's legacy remains a subject of intense debate in Indonesia. While some credit him with bringing stability and economic development to the country, others condemn his authoritarian rule and the widespread corruption that plagued his regime. Understanding Suharto's role is essential for understanding the complexities of the New Order period.

The Military Elite: Power Behind the Throne

The Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI), the Indonesian National Military, played a crucial and often controversial role throughout the New Order period. The military wasn't just responsible for national defense; it became deeply intertwined with the political and economic fabric of the nation. Several high-ranking military officers became powerful figures in the Suharto regime, wielding considerable influence over policy-making and resource allocation.

Key military figures like General Abdul Haris Nasution, General Ali Murtopo, and General Leonardus Benjamin (Benny) Moerdani were instrumental in shaping the New Order's security apparatus and political strategies. These generals often held key positions in the government and state-owned enterprises, further solidifying the military's influence. They were strong proponents of a strong, centralized state and played a key role in suppressing dissent and maintaining order.

The military's involvement in politics during the New Order was formalized through the concept of Dwi Fungsi (Dual Function), which asserted that the military had a dual role: national defense and social-political responsibility. This doctrine provided a justification for the military's extensive involvement in civilian affairs. While proponents argued that Dwi Fungsi was necessary to maintain stability and promote national development, critics condemned it as a violation of democratic principles and a tool for consolidating military power.

The military's economic activities also became a source of concern. Many military-owned businesses thrived during the New Order, leading to allegations of corruption and cronyism. The close ties between the military and the business community further entrenched the military's power and influence. Understanding the role of the military elite is essential to understanding the dynamics of power during the New Order.

The Technocrats: Architects of Economic Growth

While the military provided the security and political backing, a group of highly educated economists, often referred to as the technocrats, played a crucial role in designing and implementing Indonesia's economic policies during the New Order. These individuals, many of whom had studied in the United States, advocated for free-market principles, foreign investment, and export-oriented growth. They believed that economic development was essential for achieving stability and improving the lives of ordinary Indonesians.

Key figures in this group included Widjojo Nitisastro, Ali Wardhana, and J.B. Sumarlin. These technocrats held important positions in the Ministry of Finance, the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), and the central bank (Bank Indonesia). They worked closely with Suharto to implement policies aimed at attracting foreign investment, promoting industrialization, and controlling inflation.

The technocrats' policies were largely successful in achieving rapid economic growth. Indonesia's economy grew at an average rate of 7% per year during the 1970s and 1980s, transforming the country from an agricultural economy to a more industrialized one. However, this growth came at a cost. Critics argued that the technocrats' policies favored foreign investors and large corporations at the expense of small businesses and farmers. Furthermore, the rapid economic growth led to increased inequality and environmental degradation. The Asian financial crisis of 1997-98 exposed the vulnerabilities of the Indonesian economy and ultimately led to the downfall of the New Order regime. The contributions and limitations of the technocrats are crucial to understanding the economic history of the New Order.

Business Cronies: Beneficiaries of the System

The New Order era was also marked by the rise of a group of wealthy businessmen, often referred to as cronies, who benefited from their close relationships with Suharto and his family. These individuals were granted preferential treatment in the form of government contracts, licenses, and access to credit. In return, they often provided financial support to Suharto and his regime.

Figures like Bob Hasan, Liem Sioe Liong (Sudono Salim), and Prajogo Pangestu amassed immense wealth through their connections to the Suharto family. They controlled vast business empires that spanned various sectors of the economy, including timber, cement, and finance. These cronies became symbols of the corruption and cronyism that plagued the New Order regime.

The concentration of wealth in the hands of a few individuals fueled resentment and contributed to the social unrest that eventually led to the downfall of the New Order. The close ties between the business cronies and the Suharto family eroded public trust in the government and undermined the legitimacy of the regime. The legacy of the business cronies continues to be a sensitive issue in Indonesia today. Examining their role is critical to understanding the economic inequalities that persisted during the New Order.

Opposition Figures: Voices of Dissent

While the New Order regime was characterized by authoritarianism and repression, there were individuals who dared to challenge Suharto's rule and speak out against injustice. These opposition figures came from diverse backgrounds, including students, intellectuals, religious leaders, and activists. They played a crucial role in raising awareness about the human rights abuses, corruption, and economic inequalities that plagued the New Order.

Figures like Amien Rais, a prominent Muslim scholar, Megawati Sukarnoputri, the daughter of former President Sukarno, and W.S. Rendra, a renowned poet and playwright, emerged as key leaders of the opposition movement. They organized protests, published articles, and delivered speeches that challenged the legitimacy of the Suharto regime. These individuals faced significant risks, including arrest, imprisonment, and even violence.

The opposition movement gained momentum in the late 1990s, fueled by the Asian financial crisis and growing discontent with Suharto's rule. The protests and demonstrations organized by the opposition played a crucial role in creating the conditions that led to Suharto's resignation in 1998. The courage and determination of these opposition figures paved the way for the transition to democracy in Indonesia. Their stories serve as an inspiration for those who continue to fight for justice and human rights in Indonesia today. We need to remember their struggles and sacrifices.

Understanding the anggota of the New Order – from Suharto himself to the military elite, the technocrats, the business cronies, and the opposition figures – provides a nuanced and comprehensive picture of this complex period in Indonesian history. By examining the roles, motivations, and legacies of these individuals, we can gain a deeper understanding of the political, economic, and social forces that shaped Indonesia during the New Order and continue to influence the country today. Analyzing this history is essential for building a more just and democratic future for Indonesia.