HE lived a hard life: war, military operations, rebellion, overpowering political foes, recognizing that conflicts provided chances. He crushed the 1965 “rebellion,” elevating him to the country’s top position for over three decades—vanquishing Sukarno, the Great Revolutionary Leader, till his death in 1970.

In his old age, Suharto was glorified as the Five-Star General. He had it all: power, influence, happiness, and a big laugh.

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