Week 5 Summary
R.E. Elson, “In Fear of the People: Suharto and the Justi cation of State-Sponsored
Violence under the New Order”
Suharto was the ruler of Indonesia from 1966 to 1998 and is known for developing a “New Order”
in Indonesia. Elson characterises the reign of Suharto as being full of state sponsored violence,
protests against his rule and massacres. Suharto’s early life and upbringing are also brie y
explored in this reading. His childhood was di cult and he received little education which Elson
believes is re ected in his leadership. Suharto was a conservative leader who implemented a
State of War and Siege in 1957. He was also against communism and particularly opposed
Indonesia’s communist party, the PKI.
Words: 96
Research Question: Were there any positive elements of Suharto’s regime?
fl ffi fi fl
R.E. Elson, “In Fear of the People: Suharto and the Justi cation of State-Sponsored
Violence under the New Order”
Suharto was the ruler of Indonesia from 1966 to 1998 and is known for developing a “New Order”
in Indonesia. Elson characterises the reign of Suharto as being full of state sponsored violence,
protests against his rule and massacres. Suharto’s early life and upbringing are also brie y
explored in this reading. His childhood was di cult and he received little education which Elson
believes is re ected in his leadership. Suharto was a conservative leader who implemented a
State of War and Siege in 1957. He was also against communism and particularly opposed
Indonesia’s communist party, the PKI.
Words: 96
Research Question: Were there any positive elements of Suharto’s regime?
fl ffi fi fl
