Indonesian press reaction to Suharto's death

JAKARTA (Reuters) - The body of Indonesia's former president Suharto, whose legacy was marred by graft and human rights abuses during his 32 years in power, was taken from his house on Monday for a state funeral in the royal city of Solo.

Suharto died on Sunday, aged 86, after suffering multiple organ failure.

The following are some press reactions to Suharto's death from leading Indonesian newspapers.

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THE JAKARTA POST

- THE OLD SOLDIER DIES

We have lost a great leader who did so much in his time, including bringing political stability and economic prosperity to an otherwise impoverished nation. But we have also missed the opportunity to hold him responsible for the deaths and torture of thousands of people and for the legacy of the violent and corrupt political culture he left behind.

- SUHARTO TAKES THREE MYSTERIES TO THE GRAVE

How much did Major General Suharto know about the plot to kidnap and murder six of his peers in the Army on the night of September 30, 1965? Did President Sukarno really give General Suharto sweeping executive powers on March 11, 1966, and if so what were the exact circumstances that made Sukarno virtually give up power? What prompted Suharto to finally call it quits, ending his presidency after 32 years? These are major events in the modern history of Indonesia that involved Suharto for which some questions remain.

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KOMPAS

- FAREWELL PAK HARTO

In the end, Suharto's departure left an enormous mark on Indonesian history. The history of his life was full of dedication to the country.

Many people wondered had Suharto put his presidency to rest earlier, his presidency would have been remembered on a great historical note. Unfortunately history will have to remember him differently.

With all his strength and weaknesses we will remember Pak Harto as a leader. It is not even excessive if we said that he was the true leader because he was willing to make decisions and bear all the consequences.

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REPUBLIKA

- FAREWELL PAK HARTO

Let us pray for Pak Harto so all his sins and good deeds are accepted by God. The forgiveness should apply to Suharto's legal case. But the other legal cases involving his family and cronies should go ahead.

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KORAN TEMPO

- READING SUHARTO'S HISTORY

So many people stayed with him during his last days. The government has declared seven days of mourning. But there is so little certainty on Suharto's legal status.

Regarding the forgiveness of his mistakes, let that become a personal issue for every individual from Aceh, Talangsari, Tanjung Priok, Boyolali to Papua. The government should make a political and legal breakthrough so the nation will no longer be confused about the history of its former leaders.

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