Pak Harto was known for being a hard-working, disciplined, and meticulous individual. He had a routine of waking up very early in the morning and arriving at the office punctually at 08:00 am every day. He had a neat handwriting and a strong memory, often referred to as photographic memory. He was also proficient with numbers and was an avid reader. Pak Harto advocated for the study of science and technology, even encouraging people to study abroad, despite not having been educated overseas himself. He was known for his constant smile and rarely showed anger, preferring to remain silent when upset.
In 1983, I became Pak Harto’s son-in-law. Prior to that, I had served in East Timor twice, first as the Platoon Commander of KOPASSANDHA Group 1 in 1976 and later as the Commander of Para-Commando Company in 1978. During my tenure as the Commander of the 328 Airborne Infantry Battalion/KOSTRAD in 1985, I had the opportunity to meet with Pak Harto and receive valuable advice from him on army unit formation, recruitment, and training. His detailed recollections and practical techniques greatly influenced the success of the 328 Battalion under my leadership.
Pak Harto’s daily routine was meticulously structured, with him spending long hours working into the late night. He had a keen understanding of Javanese philosophy and history, often incorporating these teachings into his leadership approach. His book, Butir-Butir Budaya Jawa (Javanese Cultural Maxim), highlighted important maxims and adages that reflected Indonesian cultural values. Pak Harto’s guidance was widely respected as a practical and wise approach to life.
I recall a moment before a military operation in East Timor when Pak Harto blessed me with three pieces of advice – ojo lali, ojo dumeh, ojo ngoyo – emphasizing the importance of remembering, being disciplined, and persevering. His words had a profound impact on me and my team, guiding us through the mission with a sense of purpose and determination. Pak Harto’s vast combat experience and leadership skills lent credibility to his advice, making it invaluable to those under his command.
