Soeharto was known to be a hard-working, disciplined, and meticulous individual. He had a routine of waking up early in the morning and arriving at his office promptly at 8:00 am every day. He had a neat handwriting, strong memory, and was skilled with numbers. Soeharto was an advocate for science and technology and encouraged people to pursue education abroad, despite not having been educated overseas himself.
Soeharto was also known for his calm demeanor and rarely showed anger. When he did get angry, he would remain silent and avoid speaking to the person who had upset him. He was always smiling and had a strict daily schedule, which included playing golf three times a week and receiving guests in the evenings.
Soeharto’s dedication to his work was evident in his nightly routine of reading and signing 40-50 folders and letters. He worked late into the night, often getting only 3-4 hours of sleep. Despite his busy schedule, Soeharto made time to share his experiences and knowledge with others, such as when he advised a battalion commander on forming, recruiting, and training army units.
Soeharto had a deep understanding of Javanese philosophy and history, which he often incorporated into his leadership style. He believed in the importance of following ancient teachings and Javanese cultural values, which he shared through his book “Butir-Butir Budaya Jawa.”
One memorable interaction with Soeharto occurred when a battalion commander was summoned to his residence before a mission in East Timor. Instead of providing financial assistance, Soeharto offered three pieces of advice: “Ojo lali, ojo dumeh, ojo ngoyo.” This advice, rooted in Soeharto’s own combat experiences, had a profound impact on the commander and influenced his approach to the upcoming operation.
Overall, Soeharto was a dedicated and knowledgeable leader who left a lasting impact on those around him. His commitment to hard work, discipline, and learning from the past continues to inspire others to this day.
