Wiranto's Career Travel: From Suharto's Aide To The TNI Commander

Portrait of the rulers of the New Order, Suharto and Wiranto. (Special)

JAKARTA - Suharto and the New Order (Orba) have their own way of seeing TNI soldiers who have potential. The Smiling General made them personal aides. He considered the ability of an aide carefully. Whoever manages to become a good aide, will certainly benefit.

Things are different from those who are not doing well. They may be exiled. An example of the success of Suharto's aide who became a big figure is abundant. Wiranto, for example. He was an aide who later became the TNI Commander.

The position as an aide to the president of the New Order era cannot be underestimated. This position is the most decisive test in a soldier's military career. The effectiveness of working as an aide does not need to be questioned. Anyone who can serve him well is certain that his career path will run smoothly.

All because Suharto is a thorough leader. He can judge someone from his position as an aide. He can see loyalty and capability directly. However, Suharto needs the help of others in looking for an aide.

Adjutant candidates sometimes arise from suggestions from the National Police Chief or the TNI Commander. Recommendations are never one or two. Sometimes it can also reach dozens to dozens of soldiers. At its peak, Suharto or his family usually Mrs. Tien or his children and son-in-law affect the assessment.

Without that support, it would be difficult for anyone to become the president's adjutant. Take for example when Wiranto's name appeared as an aide. The graduate of the National Military Academy (AMN) in 1968 would not be able to become an aide without assistance from the Suharto family.

Ulam's beloved pinnacle arrives. Wiranto's extension in the military was understood by Suharto's son-in-law, Prabowo Subianto. Andil Prabowo (now: President of Indonesia8) is big. He advised the person who took care of Kostrad's rank and position, Kivlan Zen, to include Wiranto's name as a candidate for President Suharto's aide.

Wiranto, who in fact graduated from the National Military Academy (AMN) in 1968, was recommended along with 13 other officers. At its peak, Suharto chose Wiranto as his aide from 1989-1993.

Prabowo Subianto, in January 1989 through Kivlan Zen advised Wiranto to become the President's adjutant. This suggestion was conveyed by Kivlan Zen to Pangkostrad, although actually between Kivlan zen and Wiranto there was a mismatch, especially because Wiranto failed Kivlan Zen to become Commander of the Battalion in October 1985.

At that time, Kivlan Zen became a student of Sus Danyon and Wiranto as the Commander of the Sus Danyon School in Pussenif Bandung. However, in honor of Prabowo, Kivlan Zen continued to submit this proposal to Pangkostrad and KASAD. Finally, Wiranto was appointed as the President's adjutant," said Kivlan Zen in the book Internal Reflection of the TNI AD 1945-2021 (2021).

Wiranto is happy that he can become President Suharto's adjutant. He took this position seriously. He did not want to be seen as an amateur aide. He tried to help Suharto in his daily life. Suharto was considered easily offended.

Affairs became complicated when Suharto was offended. Suharto is considered to have often silenced people he did not like for a long time. Wiranto began to try to understand Suharto's mood from the words of his colleagues who had met Suharto.

The first day as an aide was also done with hard work. Handoko Prasetyo, Wiranto's colleague who was both Suharto's aide, said that on the first day Wiranto was filled by studying the opening and closing doors of Suharto's official car.

This task must be basic because it could be the culprit for Suharto to be offended if he hard closes the door. Wiranto also cut his mustache because there was an issue that Suharto didn't like people with mustaches.

Wiranto also learned to quickly serve Suharto. The result was brilliant. Suharto was amazed by Wiranto's way of working. Suharto often shares his experience with Wiranto, from playing golf to war tactics. Wiranto also often accompanied Suharto to various state celebrations.

Wiranto's network is getting wider because of it. This intimacy made Suharto like preparing Wiranto to become the leader of the TNI in the future. Sure enough. Wiranto's career immediately shot up after becoming Suharto's aide.

Wiranto served as Chief of Staff of the Greater Jakarta Military Regional Command (Kasdam Jaya) in the 1993-1994 era, Kodam Jaya era 1994-1996, Commander of Kostrad era 1996-1997, Head of Army Unit (KASAD) era 1997-1998. At its peak, Wiranto was then appointed as TNI Commander in February 1998.

Only one year and three months, Wiranto again received promotions when i Way was appointed Army Chief of Staff. Not even eight months to be appointed as Commander of the Armed Forces. Handoko said: In my observation, Mr. Harto did prepare Mr. Wiranto to become the leader of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Indonesia (TNI Commander)," wrote a Tempo Magazine report entitled One Swing at Mercy Gate (2009).