Indonesia's New Order: History, Impact & Legacy

The New Order (Orde Baru) is the term coined by the second Indonesian President, Suharto, to characterize his administration as he came to power in 1966 until 1998. Suharto replaced the Old Order (Orde Lama) which was the term to characterize the administration of the first Indonesian President, Sukarno. The transition was one of the most tumultuous periods in Indonesian history. It was marked by significant political, social, and economic shifts. Understanding this era is crucial for grasping contemporary Indonesia. Guys, let's dive into the depths of this transformative period, exploring its origins, key policies, impacts, and lasting legacy.

The Rise of the New Order

So, how did the New Order come about? Well, the seeds were sown in the mid-1960s, a time of immense political and economic turmoil in Indonesia. Sukarno's government was grappling with a failing economy, hyperinflation, and increasing political polarization. The Indonesian Communist Party (Partai Komunis Indonesia or PKI) had grown in influence, alarming many in the military and other segments of society. The turning point was the September 30th Movement in 1965, a coup attempt that led to the deaths of six high-ranking generals. This event, shrouded in controversy and differing interpretations, provided the pretext for Suharto, then a major general, to seize power.

Suharto, with the backing of the military, swiftly moved to consolidate his authority. He blamed the PKI for the coup attempt and launched a brutal crackdown, resulting in the mass arrest and killings of suspected communists and their sympathizers. This period of violence remains a dark chapter in Indonesian history, with estimates of the death toll ranging from hundreds of thousands to over a million. With the PKI effectively eliminated and Sukarno's power gradually diminished, Suharto officially took over the presidency in 1967, ushering in the era of the New Order. The New Order was built on a foundation of anti-communism, political stability, and economic development. Suharto's regime promised a clean break from the perceived chaos and mismanagement of the Old Order, offering a vision of a prosperous and stable Indonesia. This promise resonated with many Indonesians who were weary of the political and economic instability of the Sukarno years.

Key Policies and Characteristics of the New Order

Alright, so what exactly defined the New Order? What were its defining policies and characteristics? First and foremost, the New Order was characterized by its strong emphasis on political stability. Suharto's regime prioritized maintaining order and suppressing any perceived threats to its authority. This was achieved through a highly centralized government, a dominant role for the military in politics (dwifungsi), and strict control over political parties and the media. Elections were held, but they were tightly controlled and manipulated to ensure the victory of Suharto's Golkar party. Freedom of expression and assembly were severely restricted, and dissent was often met with repression. Economically, the New Order pursued a strategy of rapid economic development, focusing on industrialization and foreign investment. The regime implemented a series of five-year development plans (Repelita) that prioritized economic growth and poverty reduction. Foreign investment was actively encouraged, and Indonesia opened its doors to multinational corporations. This led to significant economic growth, particularly in the manufacturing and resource extraction sectors.

However, this economic growth came at a cost. Corruption was rampant throughout the government and business sectors, enriching a select few while leaving many behind. The benefits of economic development were not evenly distributed, and inequality widened during the New Order era. Socially, the New Order promoted a policy of national unity and cultural assimilation. The regime sought to create a homogenous Indonesian identity, often at the expense of regional and ethnic diversity. The Indonesian language was promoted as the national language, and regional cultures were often marginalized. While the New Order brought about significant economic development and improved living standards for some, it also came at the cost of political freedom, social justice, and environmental sustainability. These trade-offs continue to be debated and analyzed in contemporary Indonesia.

The Impact of the New Order

Now, let's talk about the impact this era had. The New Order had a profound and lasting impact on Indonesia, shaping its political, economic, and social landscape in numerous ways. On the positive side, the New Order oversaw a period of significant economic growth and development. Indonesia's GDP grew substantially, and poverty rates declined significantly. The country became a major player in the global economy, attracting foreign investment and expanding its manufacturing and resource extraction sectors. Infrastructure development was also a major focus, with the construction of roads, bridges, and other essential infrastructure projects. Education and healthcare also saw improvements, with increased access to schools and medical facilities. However, the economic success of the New Order was accompanied by significant negative consequences. Corruption became endemic, with vast sums of money siphoned off by government officials and their cronies. This corruption undermined the effectiveness of development programs and exacerbated inequality. The environment also suffered, as rapid industrialization and resource extraction led to deforestation, pollution, and other environmental problems.

Politically, the New Order created a highly centralized and authoritarian state. Freedom of expression and assembly were severely restricted, and political dissent was often met with repression. The military played a dominant role in politics, and civilian institutions were often weak and ineffective. This legacy of authoritarianism continues to shape Indonesian politics today. Socially, the New Order's policies of national unity and cultural assimilation had a mixed impact. While they promoted a sense of national identity, they also marginalized regional and ethnic cultures. This led to resentment and conflict in some parts of the country. The New Order also had a significant impact on Indonesia's foreign policy. The regime pursued a pro-Western foreign policy, aligning itself with the United States and other Western powers. Indonesia played a leading role in regional organizations such as ASEAN, promoting regional cooperation and stability. Overall, the New Order was a complex and contradictory period in Indonesian history, with both positive and negative consequences. Its legacy continues to shape Indonesia today, and its impact is still debated and analyzed by historians, political scientists, and other scholars.

The Fall of Suharto and the End of the New Order

So, how did it all come crashing down? The New Order's grip on power began to weaken in the late 1990s, as Indonesia was hit hard by the Asian financial crisis. The economic crisis led to widespread social unrest and protests, as people took to the streets to demand political and economic reforms. The protests were fueled by growing anger over corruption, inequality, and the authoritarian nature of the regime. Students played a key role in the protests, occupying parliament and demanding Suharto's resignation. The situation was further complicated by ethnic and religious tensions, which erupted into violence in some parts of the country. Under immense pressure, Suharto finally resigned in May 1998, bringing an end to the New Order. His resignation marked a watershed moment in Indonesian history, ushering in an era of democratization and reform.

The transition from the New Order to a more democratic system was not easy. Indonesia faced numerous challenges, including political instability, economic problems, and social divisions. However, the country has made significant progress in consolidating its democracy, holding free and fair elections, and strengthening its democratic institutions. The New Order was a long and complex chapter in Indonesian history, with both positive and negative legacies. While it brought about significant economic development and improved living standards for some, it also came at the cost of political freedom, social justice, and environmental sustainability. The fall of Suharto and the end of the New Order opened the door for a new era of democracy and reform in Indonesia, but the challenges of building a more just and prosperous society remain.

The Legacy of the New Order

Alright guys, so what's the final verdict? What's the lasting legacy of the New Order? The legacy of the New Order is complex and multifaceted, and it continues to be debated and analyzed in Indonesia today. On the one hand, the New Order is credited with bringing about significant economic development and improving living standards for many Indonesians. Poverty rates declined, and Indonesia became a major player in the global economy. The regime also invested heavily in infrastructure development, education, and healthcare. On the other hand, the New Order is criticized for its authoritarianism, corruption, and human rights abuses. Freedom of expression and assembly were severely restricted, and political dissent was often met with repression. Corruption was rampant, and the benefits of economic development were not evenly distributed. The regime also pursued policies of national unity and cultural assimilation that marginalized regional and ethnic cultures.

Today, Indonesia is a democratic country with a vibrant civil society and a growing economy. However, the legacy of the New Order continues to shape Indonesian politics, economics, and society. Issues such as corruption, inequality, and human rights remain major challenges. The relationship between the military and civilian institutions is still evolving, and the country continues to grapple with issues of regional autonomy and ethnic diversity. Understanding the New Order is essential for understanding contemporary Indonesia. It helps us to understand the challenges and opportunities that Indonesia faces as it continues its journey towards a more democratic, just, and prosperous future. The New Order serves as a reminder of the importance of good governance, the rule of law, and respect for human rights. It also highlights the need for inclusive development that benefits all segments of society and protects the environment. As Indonesia continues to evolve, it is important to learn from the lessons of the New Order and to build a future that is based on the principles of democracy, justice, and sustainability.