Prabowo’s victory: Indonesian youths pine for Suharto era, others warn about his dark history

More youths have posted videos about the ‘good life’ under Suharto, who was the former father-in-law of President-elect Prabowo Subianto

Some older Indonesians warn against the trend, highlighting the dangers they experienced during Suharto’s rule

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Ex-Indonesian President Suharto arrives at his polling station before casting his vote in the second round of presidential elections on September 20, 2004. Photo: AP

Published: 8:00am, 23 Feb 2024Updated: 3:22pm, 23 Feb 2024

The conclusion of Indonesia’s general election has prompted an unusual trend among the country’s youth – nostalgia for the “good life” during former president Suharto’s 32 years of dictatorship.

On TikTok, videos reminiscing about Suharto and his family have become common, with some getting millions of views. While some of them date back to a few years ago, these videos have surged in popularity after Prabowo Subianto, the dictator’s former son-in-law, became the projected winner of the February 14 election, based on unofficial quick count results.

One such video, published on February 16, depicts Suharto taking a stroll in Germany alongside his family members, including Prabowo. The footage – taken while the Indonesian leader was abroad seeking medical care in 1996 – also features his daughter Titiek, who was married to Prabowo at the time, and the couple’s son Didit.

“I want to experience life in the Suharto era because they say life in that era was good,” TikTok user priskahelda commented on the video.

“I hope Suharto becomes our president again,” user Leorzafiksa wrote.

Those comments may seem odd to those familiar with the corruption and authoritarian oppression that are often characterised by historians to describe Suharto’s rule.

Berlin-based anti-corruption organisation Transparency International dubbed Suharto “one of the most corrupt leaders in modern history,” for allegedly embezzling US$15 billion to US$35 billion in state money during his rule, enabled by systemic corruption and nepotism that benefited his family and cronies.

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