Jeffrey Winters: Mr Suharto's Indonesia Oligarchy

Makassar - The late President Suharto regime lasting in 32 years. Power neatly parceled out to people who are loyal. Therefore, political experts and Indonesianists Jeffrey A Winters called Suharto as the father of Oligarchy in Indonesia.

This was conveyed politics professor from Northwestern University Cichago, the U.S. was in a lecture 'Democracy Without Law: Indonesia Facing Oligarchy', in Senate Room Hasanuddin University, Makassar, on Monday (4/18/2011).

According to Winters, oligarchy system first appeared in Indonesia in 1970 which was built by Soeharto. To lead the establishment of oligarchic system, Soeharto acting like a Godfather who divide the natural wealth of Indonesia in particular groups, such as the group of generals, the ruling ethnic Chinese and indigenous groups.

"Once in power, Suharto was a real threat to the Army General, he would distribute wealth such as forest management in Kalimantan and called the Generals were rich because of him. Soeharto was a Godfather of economically and politically," added Winters.

Winters added, Suharto oligarchy system began to crash during Suharto's children become adults and start doing business. The fall of Suharto in 1998, Winters continued, because the oligark under Suharto was not willing to defend Suharto because of his children's behavior can not be controlled.

"When children can not be controlled by Suharto, Suharto dropped the oligark package with her children, because Suharto did not want to restrict her children. For example, when LB Moerdani complained Suharto children and eventually she was fired," said Winters.

Student demonstrations in 1998 that shook the trees assessed Jeffrey Suharto oligarchy, the results are enjoyed by student activists. Instead he calls the oligark including Rulling Oligarchy which finally enjoy power. Eventually that happened later was a criminal democracy, democracy without a package with the law and the authorities have an average criminal case.

Currently in Indonesia, the power of an oligarchy ruled by the natives, Winters continued, because they have money and position. Previously, the New Order era, oligarchy dominated by ethnic Chinese businessmen, who have direct access to Suharto.

"Currently oligark of non-indigenous businessmen had no direct access to the ruler, even though large fortunes are still far above the oligark indigenous groups," said Winters.

(Mna / Fay)

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