Life turns around for 80-year-old Soeharto
Life turns around for 80-year-old Soeharto
JAKARTA (JP): How things have turned around.
Two days ago 10,000 people gathered in the country's largest
stadium to adore the late president Sukarno on the 100th
anniversary of the birth of the state's founding father. Such an
event would have been unthinkable during the Soeharto era.
On Friday when former President Soeharto turns 80, what during
the New Order was a quasi national event, is likely to pass
quietly with little or no fanfare.
Such is life, such are the parallels.
Both Sukarno and Soeharto were presidents, both are geminis,
both left office in disgrace.
Sukarno died under house arrest in 1970. Soeharto, who had
been under house arrest before court charges on abuse of power
were suspended, virtually never leaves his residence on Jl.
Cendana, Central Jakarta.
Friday will, perhaps, be a lonely celebration among limited
friends and family.
Soeharto cannot even expect all his children to attend as his
youngest of six children, Hutomo Mandala Putra has gone into
hiding becoming one of the country's most wanted convicted
felons.
Born in Kemusu, Yogyakarta, on June 8, 1921, Soeharto after
32-years in power stepped down from office amid nationwide unrest
on May 21, 1998.
On Thursday afternoon, two small bouquets arrived, while
caterers were busy to preparing for Friday's birthday gathering.
Business tycoon Prajogo Pangestu dropped a message to Soeharto
asking him what he wanted for his birthday. It is not known if
the former president replied.
As part of his birthday, Soeharto is expected to present gifts
to a dozen orphans who will come to congratulate him before
Friday prayers.
"Bapak has repeatedly told his children that he wants to have
a very simple thanksgiving gathering tomorrow (Friday) evening,"
said a security guard who has worked for the Soeharto security
detail for more than 20 years.
According to the guard, his children impose a strict screening
on how their father can entertain himself.
Television is limited to mystery series or cartoons. No
newspapers or news magazines. Books are limited to religion.
"His favorite TV programs are Mak Lampir (Mrs. Witchcraft) and
the Angling Dharma legend series," said the guard who just
retired from active military service.
Visitors are few and far between, the most notable being
former military chief and former adjutant, Wiranto.
The years have also taken its toll on the former president's
famous pet bird who used to sound out "Selamat Pagi (Good
Morning) Bapak Presiden" every time Soeharto approached.
"Since last month the bird can no longer screech. It is also
blind now, maybe because of its age," the guard said who lamented
that "Soeharto is treated just like a pariah despite his great
contribution to the country." (prb)