A Populist Vision That Ended in Disappointment
With a populist economic vision, Sumitro initiated food diversification during the New Order era. He later grew disillusioned by the rise of conglomerates.
Ghoida Rahmah
June 1, 2026
THERE was an air of festivity at Pendopo Agung Sasono Utomo in Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, East Jakarta, on Sunday, May 8, 1983. That day, some 3,000 pairs of eyes watched as Prabowo Subianto, the second son of Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, sat beside Siti Hediati Hariyadi, the fourth daughter of Suharto. At the time, Suharto was serving his fourth presidential term.
Tempo’s May 14, 1983 edition captured the bustle surrounding the New Order rul
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