Pak Harto was a hard-working, disciplined, punctual and meticulous person. I had the privilege to witness his daily life. He woke up very early in the morning and arrived at his office at 08:00 am sharp. His distinctive features were his neat writing, strong memory, and ability with numbers. He was also an avid reader and strongly encouraged people to study science and technology, even abroad, despite not having been educated abroad himself. He was known for his constant smile and rare displays of anger. When angry, he would remain silent and avoid talking to angry people. These are some of my memories of Pak Harto.
I became Pak Harto’s son-in-law in 1983. Before that, I had served in East Timor twice – in 1976 as the Platoon Commander of KOPASSANDHA Group 1 (now KOPASSUS) and in 1978 as the Commander of Para-Commando Company codenamed Chandraca 8. I had the opportunity to witness Pak Harto’s dedication and hard work firsthand.
Pak Harto’s daily routine was very structured. He would arrive at his office at 08:00 am and have lunch at home at 01:00 pm. In the afternoons, he would play golf three times a week and receive guests in the evenings from Monday to Friday. He had dinner at 21:00 and would retire to his study at 21:35. Despite his busy schedule, he would work late into the night, sometimes until 01:00 or 02:00 am, and wake up early at 04:30 or 05:00 am. He only got 3-4 hours of sleep on some nights, yet he maintained this routine for decades.
One of Pak Harto’s remarkable qualities was his neat handwriting, photographic memory, and proficiency with numbers. Even after leaving the Army, he could vividly recall his experiences and share practical techniques and practices with others. His deep understanding of Javanese philosophy and history influenced his leadership style and teachings.
During my time as Commander of the 328 Airborne Infantry Battalion/KOSTRAD, I visited Pak Harto and received valuable advice on forming and training combat battalions. His wisdom and guidance played a crucial role in making the 328 Battalion one of the most reliable units.
Before embarking on a mission to East Timor, Pak Harto summoned me to his residence and imparted three pieces of advice: “Ojo lali, ojo dumeh, ojo ngoyo.” These words had a profound impact on me and my team, as we prepared for the operation.
Pak Harto’s advice carried weight due to his extensive combat experience and leadership in various military operations. His teachings, rooted in Javanese philosophy, continue to guide many in achieving success and living a meaningful life.
