Selamat Jalan Pak Harto

The death of Pak Suharto brought grieve across the Indonesian archipelago. When i reached office on Sunday, he was already in coma. Few minutes later, he was pronounced dead. I wouldnt call it unexpected as he has been in and out of the hospital several times. His condition took to a turn when he was hospitalise earlier this year.

I was watching his memorial service yesterday. I realise Javanese has her unique culture when dealing with funeral wake. Suharto was finally laid to rest in Solo, next to his beloved wife. There was this proverb saying “一代伟人 就此入土为安”。Though he was not the president anymore, the Indonesian govt has given him the highest honour when they held a state funeral for him.

Dr Susilo presided the ceremony. Guard of Honour were there, Indonesians are to mourn for Suharto's death for the next 7 days. I agree with what MM had said. No matter what Suharto has done, he should be given the highest respect as he did brought peace and stability to the nation from the 60s to 90s. If not for Suharto, Singapore would not have enjoyed the peace we need to have.

Being one of the smallest nation in ASEAN and Indonesia being the largest nation in ASEAN, can you imagine how Singapore grew during the early years of Independence? I din do history during my high school. However, i remember the days in 1964 when we faced Konfronmasi from former president Sukarno. Macdonald House got bombed which killed 3 and injured 33. I cant believe we actually face such threats during the past.

A foreigner asked why are Singaporeans leader taking this so seriously, with PM Lee flying over to offer his sincere condolences and Deputy Prime Minister Jayakumar to attend the funeral service. Well, i believe older Singaporeans will appreciate Suharto's leadership. His presence brought peace not only to Indonesia but also to Singapore. MM and Suharto have been friends for the last three decades. It shows how close both nations are.

His presidency ended abruptly after ousted by students all over the country in 1998. It was quite a sad ending. It all started when the Indonesian economy collapse during the Asian Financial Crisis. I wouldnt say he is fully responsible but somehow matter got worse. I was in China when he was forced to resign. That year's riot shocked the chinese community all over the world. Ethnic tension grew and the country turn chaotic! I still remember watching live events from Beijing and Suzhou. It was too scary! Suharto had no choice, the only way to appease everyone is to step down.

No matter what happen, he has laid to rest forever. Singapore will remember him, the man who brought stability and new friendship to the 2 countries. Selamat Jalan Pak Harto!