Membangun Indonesia Baru: Tujuan dan Strategi Orde Baru

The era of Orde Baru (New Order) in Indonesia, spanning from 1966 to 1998, was a period of significant political and economic transformation. Under the leadership of President Suharto, the government implemented a series of policies aimed at achieving national development and stability. This period witnessed remarkable progress in various sectors, including infrastructure, education, and economic growth. However, the Orde Baru's approach to development also came with its share of criticisms, particularly regarding human rights and political freedom. This article delves into the objectives and strategies employed by the Orde Baru in its quest to build a "New Indonesia."

The Vision of a New Indonesia

The Orde Baru's vision for Indonesia was rooted in the desire to create a stable, prosperous, and modern nation. The government sought to overcome the political and economic turmoil that had plagued Indonesia in the preceding years. The primary objective was to establish a strong and centralized government that could effectively implement policies and maintain order. This vision was encapsulated in the concept of "Membangun Indonesia Baru" (Building a New Indonesia), which emphasized national development, economic growth, and social progress.

Economic Development and Stability

One of the key pillars of the Orde Baru's strategy was economic development. The government implemented a series of policies aimed at promoting industrialization, attracting foreign investment, and fostering economic growth. These policies included the establishment of state-owned enterprises, the promotion of export-oriented industries, and the development of infrastructure projects. The government also focused on controlling inflation and maintaining a stable currency. This approach led to significant economic growth, with Indonesia experiencing a period of sustained prosperity.

Social and Political Stability

The Orde Baru government placed a strong emphasis on maintaining social and political stability. This involved suppressing dissent and opposition, often through authoritarian measures. The government implemented strict controls on the media, limited freedom of speech, and cracked down on political opponents. This approach, while effective in maintaining order, came at the cost of human rights and political freedom.

Education and Human Resource Development

The Orde Baru government recognized the importance of education in national development. It invested heavily in expanding access to education, particularly at the primary and secondary levels. The government also established numerous universities and technical schools, aiming to develop a skilled workforce. This focus on education contributed to a significant increase in literacy rates and the development of human capital.

Infrastructure Development

The Orde Baru government prioritized infrastructure development as a key driver of economic growth. It invested heavily in building roads, bridges, airports, and other infrastructure projects. These investments facilitated trade, transportation, and communication, contributing to the overall development of the country.

The Legacy of Orde Baru

The Orde Baru's legacy is a complex one. While it achieved significant economic growth and social progress, its authoritarian approach to governance and its suppression of dissent have been widely criticized. The government's focus on economic development came at the expense of human rights and political freedom. The legacy of the Orde Baru continues to shape Indonesian politics and society today, with ongoing debates about the balance between development and democracy.

The Orde Baru's "Membangun Indonesia Baru" vision aimed to create a stable, prosperous, and modern Indonesia. The government implemented a series of policies focused on economic development, social and political stability, education, and infrastructure development. While the Orde Baru achieved significant progress in these areas, its authoritarian approach and suppression of dissent have been widely criticized. The legacy of the Orde Baru remains a subject of debate, with ongoing discussions about the balance between development and democracy in Indonesia.