Suharto: A Political Biography

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title Suharto: A Political Biography
Authors and Contributors      By (author) R. E. Elson
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:412
Dimensions(mm): Height 229,Width 152
Category/GenreAsian and Middle Eastern history
ISBN/Barcode 9780521616577
ClassificationsDewey:959.803092 [B]
Audience
General
Professional & Vocational
Tertiary Education (US: College)
Illustrations Worked examples or Exercises

Publishing Details

Publisher Cambridge University Press
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publication Date 28 March 2008
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

Suharto is synonymous with modern Indonesia. He came to the leadership of Indonesia amidst extreme social upheaval and mass violence in 1966 and established an enduring regime known as the 'New Order'. He remained in command of the world's fourth most populous country until his dramatic fall from power in 1998. This book provides fascinating insights into a man who rose from humble beginnings to exert extraordinary power over a complex and volatile nation. He presented himself as an infallible father of Indonesia, yet he remained a mysterious and puzzling figure. He sought to transform Indonesia into a strong, united and economically prosperous nation, but he is remembered today for human rights abuses and profound corruption. The system of power he created collapsed with his decline, and he left a problematic legacy for Indonesia's current leaders as they seek to create a new beginning for their country.

Author Biography

R. E. Elson is Professor in the School of Asian and International Studies at Griffith University.

Reviews

'Elson's Suharto, then, is indispensable reading for anyone committed to knowing and understanding more about Australia's most significant neighbour.' Chris Sidoti, Law Society Journal 'Elson's text is rich in description and I have seen few other accounts in English that deal with Suharto's early life in such detail ... this piece of scholarship provides much needed research enquiries into Indonesian politics and a wider field.' International Affairs 'Suharto: A Political Biography by R. E. Elson is the first scholarly life of a leader who ... has always been portrayed internationally as something of an enigma ... Elson has scoured a range of new sources in his search for Suharto, from Dutch colonial archives to interviews with palace insiders, and his work is richly detailed.' Times Literary Supplement 'Elson has written an important and comprehensive biography.' Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences of Southeast Asia and Oceania '... a timely and useful book ...' The Journal of Energy Literature