Suharto

American  

[soo-hahr-toh] / suˈhɑr toʊ /

Or Soeharto

noun

1. 1921–2008, Indonesian army officer and political leader: president 1967–98.

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Suharto British  

/ sʊˈhɑːtəʊ /

noun

1. T. N. J. 1921–2008, Indonesian general and statesman; president (1968–98)

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Suharto Cultural  

1. A soldier and statesman in Indonesia in the twentieth century. An abortive coup by communists in 1965 led to the gradual devolution of power from Sukarno to the army, with Suharto assuming power in 1967. He became president in 1968 upon Sukarno's resignation and held that post until forced from office in 1998 by mass protests against corruption and nepotism in his government.

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Example Sentences

The letter said awarding Suharto the title was a betrayal of his victims and of democratic values, and constituted a dangerous distortion of history.

From Barron's • Nov. 10, 2025

Former president Suharto, who died in 2008 aged 86, ruled Indonesia with an iron fist for more than three decades after grabbing power in 1967 following a failed military coup.

From Barron's • Nov. 4, 2025

But many Indonesians remember him as the son-in-law of the military dictator Suharto, who swiftly rose through the ranks of an authoritarian regime.

From BBC • Sep. 1, 2025

Subianto, who was linked to human rights abuses during the authoritarian rule of Suharto, previously made four bids for the presidency and twice unsuccessfully challenged his losses to Widodo.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 22, 2024

He was barred from entering the U.S. for two decades because of his human rights record, and he has been associated with the country’s former dictator, Suharto.

From New York Times • Feb. 14, 2024