Suharto And Mlurter: A Military Analysis Study As The Main Support Of Suharto's Power During The Rule (New Order)

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Suharto and ABRI: Military Analysis as the Main Support of Power During the New Order

Introduction

The New Order regime, led by President Suharto, was a significant period in Indonesian history, spanning from 1966 to 1998. During this time, Suharto was able to maintain power for an impressive 32 years, a feat that has been the subject of much study and analysis. One of the key factors that contributed to Suharto's success was his ability to control the centers of power, particularly the Armed Forces of the Republic of Indonesia (ABRI). This study aims to explore the relationship between Suharto and ABRI, and how it played a crucial role in maintaining his power during the New Order regime.

The Role of ABRI in the New Order Regime

ABRI, the Indonesian military, has a long history of involvement in the country's politics. During the New Order regime, ABRI played a significant role in maintaining Suharto's power. The military was not only responsible for defense and security but also served as a political entity that supported Suharto's rule. This was evident in the way Suharto positioned ABRI at various levels of bureaucracy, using it as a tool to control power throughout the archipelago.

The ABRI Dwifunction Concept

The ABRI Dwifunction concept, introduced by General A.H. Nasution, was a key aspect of the military's role in the New Order regime. This concept emphasized the dual function of the military, both as a defense and security force and as a socio-political entity. However, under Suharto's leadership, the ABRI Dwifunction concept underwent a significant change. Suharto not only maintained ABRI's position as a defense and security force but also integrated it into the country's socio-political structure.

Suharto's Control of ABRI

Suharto's ability to control ABRI was a crucial factor in maintaining his power during the New Order regime. By placing ABRI in a strategic position, Suharto was able to turn it into a significant political force. This was evident in the way Suharto appointed military leaders to key positions, both within the military and in the government. This allowed him to maintain control over the military and use it as a tool to suppress opposition and maintain his power.

The Importance of Understanding the Interaction Between Military and Political Forces

The relationship between Suharto and ABRI is a crucial aspect of understanding the New Order regime. By analyzing this relationship, we can gain a deeper understanding of the factors that contributed to Suharto's success in maintaining power for 32 years. This study confirms the importance of understanding the interaction between military and political forces in the context of Indonesian history, especially in order to explore the factors that underlie the success of the New Order regime under Suharto's leadership.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Suharto's ability to control ABRI was a key factor in maintaining his power during the New Order regime. By making ABRI a multifunctional tool, Suharto not only created resilience in the field of security but also strengthened his political influence. This power, combined with the bureaucratic control strategy and other political institutions, enabled Suharto to remain in power effectively and control the Indonesian political situation for more than three decades. This study highlights the importance of understanding the interaction between military and political forces in the context of Indonesian history, and provides valuable insights into the factors that contributed to Suharto's success in maintaining power for 32 years.

Recommendations for Future Research

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between Suharto and ABRI during the New Order regime. However, there are several areas that require further research. Some of these areas include:

  • The role of other political institutions in maintaining Suharto's power: While this study focuses on the role of ABRI, other political institutions, such as the House of Representatives/Consultative Assembly (DPR/MPR) and the Golkar Party, also played a significant role in maintaining Suharto's power. Further research is needed to understand the interaction between these institutions and Suharto's rule.
  • The impact of Suharto's control of ABRI on Indonesian society: This study focuses on the political implications of Suharto's control of ABRI. However, further research is needed to understand the impact of this control on Indonesian society, including the effects on human rights, democracy, and economic development.
  • The legacy of Suharto's rule: This study provides a comprehensive analysis of Suharto's rule during the New Order regime. However, further research is needed to understand the legacy of Suharto's rule, including the impact of his policies on Indonesian society and the country's development.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations that should be noted. Some of these limitations include:

  • The focus on Suharto's rule: This study focuses on Suharto's rule during the New Order regime. However, further research is needed to understand the broader context of Indonesian history, including the role of other leaders and the impact of external factors on the country's development.
  • The reliance on secondary sources: This study relies heavily on secondary sources, including books and articles written by other researchers. While these sources provide valuable insights into the relationship between Suharto and ABRI, further research is needed to understand the primary sources of this relationship, including documents and interviews with key figures.
  • The lack of empirical data: This study does not provide empirical data on the relationship between Suharto and ABRI. Further research is needed to collect and analyze data on this relationship, including surveys, interviews, and other forms of data collection.
    Q&A: Suharto and ABRI - A Military Analysis Study

Introduction

The relationship between Suharto and ABRI (Armed Forces of the Republic of Indonesia) was a crucial aspect of the New Order regime in Indonesia. In this Q&A article, we will explore some of the key questions and answers related to this topic.

Q: What was the role of ABRI in the New Order regime?

A: ABRI played a significant role in the New Order regime, serving as both a defense and security force and a socio-political entity. The military was used to maintain Suharto's power and control over the country.

Q: How did Suharto control ABRI?

A: Suharto controlled ABRI by appointing military leaders to key positions, both within the military and in the government. He also used the military to suppress opposition and maintain his power.

Q: What was the ABRI Dwifunction concept?

A: The ABRI Dwifunction concept was a key aspect of the military's role in the New Order regime. It emphasized the dual function of the military, both as a defense and security force and as a socio-political entity.

Q: How did Suharto change the ABRI Dwifunction concept?

A: Suharto changed the ABRI Dwifunction concept by integrating the military into the country's socio-political structure. He used the military to maintain his power and control over the country.

Q: What was the impact of Suharto's control of ABRI on Indonesian society?

A: Suharto's control of ABRI had a significant impact on Indonesian society. The military was used to suppress opposition and maintain Suharto's power, leading to human rights abuses and restrictions on democracy.

Q: What is the legacy of Suharto's rule?

A: The legacy of Suharto's rule is complex and multifaceted. While he was able to maintain stability and economic growth, his rule was also marked by human rights abuses and restrictions on democracy.

Q: What are the implications of Suharto's control of ABRI for modern-day Indonesia?

A: The implications of Suharto's control of ABRI for modern-day Indonesia are significant. The country continues to grapple with the legacy of Suharto's rule, including the impact of his policies on human rights and democracy.

Q: What can be learned from the relationship between Suharto and ABRI?

A: The relationship between Suharto and ABRI provides valuable insights into the importance of civilian control over the military and the need for democratic institutions to prevent the abuse of power.

Q: What are the key takeaways from this study?

A: The key takeaways from this study are:

  • The importance of civilian control over the military
  • The need for democratic institutions to prevent the abuse of power
  • The impact of Suharto's control of ABRI on Indonesian society
  • The legacy of Suharto's rule and its implications for modern-day Indonesia

Conclusion

The relationship between Suharto and ABRI was a crucial aspect of the New Order regime in Indonesia. This Q&A article provides a comprehensive overview of the key questions and answers related to this topic. By understanding the relationship between Suharto and ABRI, we can gain valuable insights into the importance of civilian control over the military and the need for democratic institutions to prevent the abuse of power.