Abdul Haris Nasution occupied a central position in the Indonesian military and political apparatus for over five decades. A general who survived a 1965 coup attempt by escaping his home, he evolved from a field commander during the revolution against Dutch colonial rule to a high-ranking minister and later a vocal critic of the established political order.
Military Origins
Born in 1918 in Kotanopan, Nasution attended the Kweekschool Fort de Kock before pursuing a military trajectory. He initially joined the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army during the colonial period. Following the Japanese occupation, he transitioned into the fledgling Indonesian armed forces after the proclamation of independence. By 1946, he attained the role of commander of the Siliwangi Division, where he managed guerrilla units throughout West Java.
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Nasution served multiple terms as Minister of Defence, spanning the years 1959 to 1966. Throughout this period of Guided Democracy and parliamentary shifts, he maintained significant influence over state policy. His career was marked by his involvement in the 17 October affair, which led to a brief suspension of his duties, though he resumed his role as Chief of Staff in 1955.
Political Transition and Opposition
The attempted coup of 1 October 1965 proved a pivotal moment in his career. After escaping an assault on his home that resulted in the death of his daughter, he assisted in the political rise of Suharto and accepted the position of Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly. Relations with Suharto eventually soured, leading to his displacement from power in 1971. He spent his final decades as a political opponent of the New Order regime before reconciling with the leadership in the 1990s.
Final Years
Nasution died in Jakarta on 6 September 2000 following a stroke. He was interred at the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery. Throughout his service, he was recognized with several distinctions, including the National Hero of Indonesia, the Bintang Mahaputera, the Star of the Republic of Indonesia, and international honors such as the Grand Cross of the Order of Orange-Nassau and the Grand Cross 1st class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Fast facts
- Born: 1918, Kotanopan
- Died: 6 September 2000, Jakarta
- Rank: General
- Education: Kweekschool Fort de Kock
- Religion: Islam
- Primary Role: Minister of Defence (1959-1966)
- Notable Award: National Hero of Indonesia
Questions readers ask
What was Nasution's role after the 1965 coup?
He assisted in the rise of President Suharto and served as the Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly.
Where is Abdul Haris Nasution buried?
He is interred at the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery in Jakarta.
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