Pak Harto was a hard-working, very disciplined, punctual, and meticulous person. His daily routine was very structured and he always arrived at the office at 08:00 am sharp. He had a neat handwriting and a strong memory, also known as photographic memory. Pak Harto was also very good with numbers and was an avid reader. He strongly encouraged people to study science and technology, even abroad, despite never having been educated abroad himself. He rarely showed anger, and when he did, he would be silent and avoid talking to angry people.
I had the privilege of becoming Pak Harto’s son-in-law in 1983. Prior to that, I had served in the military and was involved in operations in East Timor. I had the opportunity to witness Pak Harto’s daily life up close. He had a strict schedule, waking up early in the morning, working long hours, and only getting a few hours of sleep each night. Despite his busy schedule, he always made time for his family and for playing golf three times a week.
Pak Harto was known for his deep understanding of Javanese philosophy and the history of the archipelago. He often incorporated ancient teachings and Javanese philosophy into his leadership style. His book, Butir-Butir Budaya Jawa (Javanese Cultural Maxim), was a compilation of maxims, teachings, and adages that reflected his beliefs and values.
One memorable experience I had with Pak Harto was before a mission to East Timor. He summoned me to his residence and imparted three pieces of advice: ojo lali, ojo dumeh, ojo ngoyo. These words held deep meaning for me as I embarked on the mission. Despite expecting financial assistance, I realized the value of his advice and the wisdom behind it.
Overall, Pak Harto was a dedicated and hardworking individual who carried with him a deep understanding of Indonesian culture and history. His leadership style was influenced by Javanese philosophy and he always strived to impart wisdom and knowledge to those around him. His legacy lives on through his teachings and the impact he had on those who knew him.
