Suharto A Political Biography [Paperback]

Fascinating insights into a man who rose to exert extraordinary power over a complex and volatile nation.General Suharto is synonymous with modern Indonesia. He became President amidst extreme social upheaval and mass violence in 1966 and retained his position until 1998, his regime known as the 'New Order'. This book provides extraordinary insights into a man who exerted extraordinary power and influence, who presented himself as an infallible father of the nation, yet who remained mysterious. He sought to transform Indonesia into a strong, united and economically prosperous nation-state. After half a century of influence however, he is remembered as much for human rights abuses and corruption on an incomparable scale. As Indonesia emerges from the political numbness that characterised his era, its future seems precarious.General Suharto is synonymous with modern Indonesia. He became President amidst extreme social upheaval and mass violence in 1966 and retained his position until 1998, his regime known as the 'New Order'. This book provides extraordinary insights into a man who exerted extraordinary power and influence, who presented himself as an infallible father of the nation, yet who remained mysterious. He sought to transform Indonesia into a strong, united and economically prosperous nation-state. After half a century of influence however, he is remembered as much for human rights abuses and corruption on an incomparable scale. As Indonesia emerges from the political numbness that characterised his era, its future seems precarious.General Suharto is synonymous with modern Indonesia. He became President amidst extreme social upheaval and mass violence in 1966 and retained his position until 1998. In this book R.E. Elson provides insights into a man who exerted extraordinary power and influence, presented himself as an infallible father of the nation, yet remained mysterious. Suharto sought to transform Indonesia into a strong, united and economically prol#8