The Day Before the Fall
Controversy has surrounded the book written by former President Habibie, which reveals a number of new historical facts about the events of May 1998. The military is mentioned as having a hand in speeding up the downfall of the Suharto regime. Two major-generals and a number of colonels are suspected of having allowed university students to occupy the parliament building in Senayan. Tempo sorts out the important moments during the 24 hours preceding Suhartos downfall. Here is the report.
October 10, 2006
SUHARTO stepped into his office. The senior general returned with two letters in hand. They contained an instruction for the formation of the National Vigilance and Safety Operation Command. He gave one letter to General Wiranto, the ABRI (Indonesian Armed Forces) commander concurrently the Minister of Defense & Security. The other letter was given to General Subagyo Hadisiswoyo, Army Chief of Staff.
Suharto told Wiranto when handing him the lett
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