Gus Dur Asks Attorney General To Investigate Soeharto's Corruption Case In Today's History, November 1, 1999

Two former Presidents of the Republic of Indonesia, Gus Dur and Suharto. (nu.or.id)

JAKARTA - Today's history, 23 years ago, November 1, 1999, President Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur) asked that the Suharto corruption case be investigated again. Gus Dur made this request directly to the Attorney General, Marzuki Darusman.

Previously, Suharto was suspected of embezzling the flow of state money. The state money is then believed to have been pouring heavily into the seven foundations it owns. No one dared to comment on the matter. However, not for Gus Dur.

The influence of President Suharto is difficult to dim. He is able to control everything. From law to mass media. Nothing can shake its power. Whoever interferes, will surely be punished.

Because Suharto with his military power was so strong. Suharto can move freely. Therefore, he and his family are free to do any business in Indonesia. In fact, their children-in-law can master various kinds of national strategic projects. Among other things, national cars, ID cards, and so on.

The easy life of the Suharto family began. Bank loans can be obtained, access to all kinds of permits, moreover. In simple language: take Suharto's name, all sorts of things will be done. Suharto's blessing was then of extraordinary value. However, that does not mean without gaps.

Former President Suharto and his eldest daughter, Siti Hardianti Rukmana. (Golkarpedia)

There are many indications that the flow of funds that should belong to the government is diverted for private interests. Many Indonesian people know about it. It's an open secret too. Again no one dared to investigate.

“It seems that nothing is impossible for Suharto. In fact, he not only appointed ministers, but also appointed all executive ranks such as governors, mayors, regents. Governor of the Central Bank, even some members of parliament who are not directly elected. The appointment of the Supreme Court Justices and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court depends on Suharto.”

"In the business field, he also chose the President Director of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) especially those that are very vital such as Pertamina, an important policy from the BUMN is also waiting for his approval. The election was not from the people, but the president. Suharto began to give space to his family, commonly known as the Cendana Family, to start a business,” said Femi Adi Soempono in the book Mereka Mengkhianati Saya: Sikap Anak-Anak Emas Soeharto di Penghujung Orde Baru (2008).

Suharto's influence was still so great when Habibie became President of Indonesia. Habibie's leadership is considered not to have the courage to investigate indications of corruption committed by Suharto. Indications of omission were rolling.

This condition did not last long. When Gus Dur became Indonesia's number one, everything changed. He asked Attorney General Marzuki Darusman to re-investigate Suharto's alleged corruption on November 1, 1999.

Gus Dur mourned Suharto at the funeral home on Jl. Cendana, Central Jakarta on January 27, 2008. (National Library/Presidential Library)

At that time, Suharto was accused of embezzling money through his seven foundations. The five largest foundations are Dakab, Dharmais, Supersemar, Tritura, and Amal Bhakti Muslim Pancasila.

"Although on various occasions Gus Dur expressed his desire to forgive Suharto as long as he handed over to the state some of the assets suspected of being the result of KKN. In the indictment it is said that it only relates to management and foundations, resulting in state losses of Rp1.4 trillion rupiah and US$419 million.”

“However, on March 31, 2000, the AGO investigator team named Suharto as a suspect in the KKN case of seven foundations. On April 15, 2000, the Attorney General announced that Suharto's legal status had been increased to city custody and that he was prohibited from traveling abroad. Then, continued on May 29, 2000, the status of city prisoners became house arrest, "said Virdika Rizky Utama in the book Menjerat Gus Dur (2020).