Indos
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Thanks for the in depth opinion.
I have only one objection, the idea that Indonesia is doing much better after Soeharto does not give enough credit to Soeharto for giving Indonesia sustained growth and infra for decades - which set the stage for a today's democracy.
Soehartos regime took Indonesia from the poverty line to industrialisation. So it's unfair today to say life is better without him.
Actually your comparison with India is perfect - they went the democratic route while you had Soeharto - and just look at the difference.
Regarding Bangladesh, they are following a similar path. Similar growth, similar development, similar accusations - but AL did not kill hundreds of thousands like Soeharto. I think most Asian countries would choose peaceful autocratic rule for a period of it means peace and development.
Hasina is 75 years old, there will be an inevitable move into democracy - but I think BD should be allowed the benefit that Indonesia had for a few more years.
Your welcome
Any way my writing doesnt suggest that I say Indonesia is better without him.
Soeharto comes up to power is very much applauded by Indonesians, particularly his effort to eliminate Communist power, bringing peace to region, and put economy as the first focus. His administration helps the nation bring down inflation from around thousand percent into single digit in the period of around 5-6 years.
Any way he replaced Soekarno that for the last 6 years of his rule is regarded as Authoritarian Ruler.
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Any way my point is that the time where BD needs to implement Democracy has come. No need to wait too long for that to happen.
Soeharto, unlike Nawaz Sharif or Sudanese previous leader, live peacefully in his house in Cendana Central Jakarta until his death. We never see him as criminal or short of that. Indonesians decision to bring down his rule in 1997-1998 is because we think that it is the time Indonesia moves from Authoritarian regime into democracy as our people and civil society are already capable to live in Democratic system
Our President when Soeharto passed away was Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. He was present during the funeral, as well all Indonesian leaders, including opposition leaders during that time like Amien Rais. They are all making Jenazah prayer for Soeharto