Unveiling a Legacy: A Deep Dive into "Soeharto: Pikiran, Ucapan, dan Tindakan Saya" (PDF)

By [Author Name] – Historical Archives Analyst

"Pikiran Ucapan Dan Tindakan Saya" is an autobiography that offers a personal account of Soeharto's life, from his early days as a military officer to his presidency. The book provides a unique opportunity to understand Soeharto's thoughts, words, and actions, which shaped Indonesia's history.

  • Omissions: What is left out? There is very little mention of the mass killings of 1965-1966, human rights abuses in Aceh/Papua/Timor, or the corruption of his inner circle (the "Cendana" family).
  • Scapegoating: Notice how failures are often attributed to "outside agitators," "stubborn bureaucrats," or the "legacy of the Old Order," while successes are attributed to Soeharto's personal leadership.
  • Contrast with Other Sources: Compare his account of the Supersemar with the accounts of historians like John Roosa or Ben Anderson. Compare his economic narrative with the critiques of economists like Rizal Ramli or Kwik Kian Gie.

Soeharto: Pikiran, Ucapan dan Tindakan Saya is an authorized 1989 autobiography presenting a structured, Javanese-influenced self-portrait of the Indonesian leader, focusing on his humble beginnings and political legitimacy . While serving as a vital primary source for the "New Order" era, the text is a curated narrative that often omits or justifies controversial aspects of his reign . Digital copies of the book can be accessed via the Internet Archive.

5. Critical reading approach

This document is not a neutral source but a political self-portrait. When analyzing, consider:

Soeharto: Pikiran, Ucapan, dan Tindakan Saya (My Thoughts, Words, and Deeds) is the official autobiography of Indonesia's second president, Soeharto. First published in 1989, the book was authored by G. Dwipayana and Ramadhan K.H. based on direct interviews and narrations from Soeharto himself. Key Contents and Themes

Soeharto's rule was also marked by controversy and criticism. His presidency was characterized by authoritarianism, corruption, and human rights abuses. The riots of 1998, which led to his resignation, were a culmination of public discontent with his regime.