After Indonesia declared independence in 1945 and secured recognition from the Netherlands in 1949, the country entered a period of political experimentation. President Sukarno attempted to balance multiple competing forces, including nationalist groups, religious organizations, and the growing influence of the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI). By the late 1950s, the parliamentary system was replaced with Guided Democracy, a system designed by Sukarno to stabilize governance but which increasingly concentrated power in the presidency.
During this period, tensions among political factions intensified. The military, Islamic groups, and communists all competed for influence. Sukarno tried to maintain balance through a concept he called Nasakom, which combined nationalism, religion, and communism. However, this fragile balance became harder to maintain as economic conditions worsened and political rivalries deepened.
The Indonesian Army and Suharto’s Early Position
Suharto was a career military officer who rose through the ranks of the Indonesian Army during the struggle for independence. By the early 1960s, he had become a senior commander in the army’s strategic reserve, known as Kostrad. Unlike many other officers, Suharto was seen as relatively cautious, pragmatic, and politically neutral, which allowed him to build relationships across different factions within the military.
At this time, the Indonesian Army was becoming increasingly concerned about the growing strength of the PKI. The army and the communist movement were both powerful institutions, but they had fundamentally opposing ideologies. This tension would later play a critical role in Suharto’s rise.
The 30 September Movement (1965)
The turning point in Suharto’s rise occurred in 1965 with the events known as the 30 September Movement, often abbreviated as G30S. On the night of September 30 into October 1, a group of military personnel kidnapped and killed six senior Indonesian generals. They claimed they were acting to prevent a coup by a Council of Generals allegedly supported by anti-communist forces.
The situation quickly became chaotic. President Sukarno’s response was unclear, and communication within the military was disrupted. In this vacuum, Suharto, who was not targeted in the kidnappings, moved quickly to take control of the army’s response. He accused the PKI of being behind the movement, although the full details of who organized G30S remain debated by historians.
Suharto’s Military Response
Suharto used his position as commander of Kostrad to mobilize loyal troops in Jakarta. Within days, he had taken effective control of the capital’s military situation. He ordered operations to suppress the movement and restore order, positioning himself as the key figure preventing national collapse.
- He consolidated control over military communications in Jakarta.
- He coordinated loyal army units to secure strategic locations.
- He framed the PKI as the main force behind the unrest.
This rapid response significantly increased his influence within the armed forces and positioned him as the central figure in restoring stability.
The Political Decline of Sukarno
Following the suppression of the 30 September Movement, Indonesia entered a period of intense political upheaval. Anti-communist sentiment spread rapidly, and the army, under Suharto’s growing influence, began a large-scale crackdown on suspected PKI members and sympathizers. This period led to widespread violence and the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people, though estimates vary widely among historians.
Sukarno’s authority weakened significantly during this time. Although he remained president, real power increasingly shifted toward the military. Suharto positioned himself as the protector of national stability and gained support from key military leaders and segments of the political elite.
The Supersemar Order and Transfer of Authority
A crucial moment in Suharto’s rise occurred on March 11, 1966, when Sukarno signed a document known as the Supersemar (Surat Perintah Sebelas Maret), or the Order of March 11. This document effectively granted Suharto authority to take whatever measures necessary to restore order and security in Indonesia.
The circumstances surrounding the signing of Supersemar remain controversial, with some accounts suggesting pressure or coercion. Regardless, Suharto used this authority to ban the PKI, arrest political opponents, and gradually take control of key government functions.
Expansion of Power After Supersemar
After receiving the Supersemar mandate, Suharto acted quickly to consolidate power
- He banned the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI).
- He removed Sukarno’s political allies from government positions.
- He strengthened military influence in civilian administration.
These actions marked the beginning of the end of Sukarno’s presidency and the rise of a new political order.
The Formal Transfer of Power in 1967
By 1967, Sukarno’s position had become largely symbolic. Political pressure from the military and the parliament increased, and Suharto’s influence continued to grow. In March 1967, the Indonesian Provisional People’s Consultative Assembly officially removed Sukarno from power and appointed Suharto as acting president.
This transition marked the formal beginning of the New Order regime, a political system led by Suharto that emphasized political stability, economic development, and strong military involvement in governance.
The Consolidation of the New Order Regime
After becoming acting president and later full president in 1968, Suharto worked to consolidate his authority. The New Order government prioritized political control and economic modernization, often restricting political opposition and limiting freedom of expression.
Key features of the New Order included
- A dominant role for the military in politics and administration.
- Strict control over political parties and elections.
- Economic reforms aimed at attracting foreign investment.
Suharto’s government presented itself as a stabilizing force after years of chaos, and initially received support from Western countries due to its anti-communist stance during the Cold War.
How Suharto Came to Power in Indonesia
Suharto’s rise to power was the result of a complex combination of military strategy, political crisis, and institutional change. The events of 1965 created a power vacuum that he was able to fill through decisive military action and political maneuvering. The Supersemar order provided a legal and political foundation for his authority, which he then expanded step by step until he became Indonesia’s second president.
His ascent marked the beginning of a new era in Indonesian history known as the New Order, which lasted for more than three decades. While it brought political stability and economic growth for some periods, it also involved authoritarian rule and suppression of political opposition. Understanding Suharto’s rise helps explain not only Indonesia’s modern political development but also the long-lasting impact of the events that brought him to power.