Suharto Lengser's Memory May 21, 1998: New Order Political Political Police Forced Out Of Prison

JAKARTA - The power of Suharto and the New Order (Orba) began to shake on May 21, 1998. The causes were various things. The economic crisis, violence, and neglect of the government on the demands of the people became a problem. This condition made Suharto step down from the presidency.

Suharto's resignation was greeted with great fanfare. Political prisoners (tapol) partyd. They were then released one by one with the blessing of the new president. Several police officers had refused. The guards stepped in to be released.

Suharto and the New Order have been considered in power for too long. All the people thought that Suharto's power had started to bring many harm, rather than benefits. Repressive too. The situation began to get out of control entering early 1998. Indonesia's economic condition fell to its lowest level.

The economic crisis is also happening. People's purchasing power decreased and unemployment arose everywhere. The impact of this problem made national figures and students take to the streets demanding Suharto resign.

The action is increasing day by day. New Orders began to use violence. Like a weapon eating, the officers' violence became a 'golden ticket' that accelerated Suharto's fall. The actions of the authorities in the Trisaksi Tragedy, for example.

This condition made the Indonesian people move down the road. The riots in May 1998 were inevitable. This condition is considered out of control. Suharto's demands to step down emerged from everywhere. In fact, from the people closest to Suharto himself.

Suharto at first did not want to resign. He began to try to embrace elements of society. Suharto is a new government. However, the hope is only hope. Suharto's plan missed. The people continued to demand him back.

The military, which was once known to be loyal to Suharto, began to become indecisive. Suharto's wish was ignored. Even one by one his loyalists began to withdraw from the government. Suharto in that phase is described as facing the demands of the people alone.

Suharto's sadness as Indonesia's number one person has long faded. He began to try to accept the fate that the Indonesian people no longer wanted him to become the leader of Indonesia. Suharto resigned from his position as President of Indonesia on May 21, 1998. Suharto's resignation was greeted with a sudden commotion.

According to BJ's story. Habibie then, that night he also received a call from the State Secretariat, Sa'adilah Mursyid, who asked him to come to the State Palace the next morning. Habibie's version said that Habibie was not told why he was asked to come to the Palace on the morning of May 21. Habibie sent to express his desire to be able to speak with Suharto, but was blocked.

In the morning, at the Merdeka Palace he was rejected when he wanted to meet Suharto first. But Suharto himself then met him; that was only for a while. Suharto only said that he wanted to inaugurate him as President that morning. Even though he was surprised, Habibie would be happy that he would finally be appointed President of the Republic of Indonesia, "explained Sri Bintang Pamungkas in the book Replacement Regime for Change (2014).

Soeharto's Lengser was greeted with great fanfare by all Indonesian people. Those who have the status of police officers too. They are happy because their struggle against the repressive New Order regime has finally inspired them.

In Cipinang Prison, for example. Democratic People's Party (PRD) activist Budiman Sudjatmiko witnessed his own joy in prisons. The police congratulate each other to his comrades in arms. The head of the prison and guards also congratulated the police for the struggle that was finally achieved.

The police also started to make small parties. Then, a few days later the police officers began to be released. The names that are considered free for the first time are Sri Bintang Pamungkas, Muchtar Pakpahan and a number of other police officers.

They are predicted to get amnesty from the President of Indonesia during the transition period, BJ Habibie. However, not a few feel odd about granting this amnesty. Many PRD activists revealed that all police stations throughout Indonesia should be released, not one by one.

PRD considers the transitional government to be still under the shadow of the New Order. Examples of the government being driven are seen from the way the personal amnesty is given. Finally, the PRD activist group refused to be released as a form of protest.

They do not want to accept amnesty, except for general amnesty (for all police stations). Activists chose to lock themselves in a cell with additional locks. This condition made tough negotiations occur day and night with the prison.

The guards asked the police to get out of prison immediately. Seduction after seduction was carried out. In fact, using the services of an activist lawyer. Finally, they were forcibly released with the help of welding tools and iron saws.

"For us this is not a matter of being stubborn or not. Amnesty for all police officers is part of the principle of struggle that cannot be bent by the political process. What does it mean to be released if you are legally still found guilty? It's better to rot in prison, than to roam freely as a loser."

"To reporters, I again responded to the answer of the Minister of Justice of Indonesia in the 1998-1999 era, Muladi by stating that We still refuse to be released with clemency. We will remain here, until the general amnesty. Even with limited amnesty for us, we are not willing to be released. So, before it is officially decided, just cancel the granting of clemency. In vain, "said Budiman Sudjatmiko in the book Children's Revolution Volume 2 (2014).