Pak Harto was known for his hard-working, disciplined, and meticulous nature. He had a strict daily routine and was always punctual. Despite his busy schedule, he always made time for reading and encouraged others to study science and technology. He had a strong memory and was good with numbers.
As his son-in-law, I had the opportunity to witness his daily life firsthand. He would wake up early in the morning and arrive at the office at 08:00 am. He had a small study where he would work late into the night, sometimes getting only a few hours of sleep. Despite his busy schedule, he always made time for golf and entertaining guests in the evening.
One of Pak Harto’s distinctive qualities was his neat handwriting and photographic memory. He had a deep understanding of Javanese philosophy and often incorporated it into his leadership style. He published a book on Javanese cultural maxims, which is still considered important in understanding Indonesian culture.
I remember one occasion when I was summoned by Pak Harto before a mission in East Timor. He gave me three pieces of advice: ojo lali, ojo dumeh, ojo ngoyo. These simple words had a deep meaning coming from a Commander with extensive combat experience.
Overall, Pak Harto was a dedicated and wise leader who led by example and valued hard work, discipline, and knowledge. His legacy continues to be important in Indonesian culture and history.
