Aspri
Encyclopedia
The Asisten Pribadi or better known by its acronym, Aspri, was President of Indonesia Suharto's team of advisors from its formation in 1968 until it was disbanded in early 1974.
to assist him in laying down the building blocks of the New Order
regime. Spri included six Army officers and twelve civilians . In 1968, after Suharto had been appointed President, he disbanded Spri and formed Aspri; limiting its membership to Army officers only. Although their position did not entail a lot of official power, some members of Aspri, most notably Ali Murtopo
and Sujono Humardhani became powerful and influential figures in their own rights .
Aspri was not popular with the people for its power and critics of the regime took the opportunity to ask for it to be disbanded in the last months of 1973 and January 1974 . Suharto recognized the people's demand and disbanded Aspri after the Malari Incident
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History
Aspri was the successor institution to the personal staff (Spri). Spri had been formed by Suharto in August 1966 after he had received SupersemarSupersemar
The Supersemar, the Indonesian abbreviation for Surat Perintah Sebelas Maret was a document signed by the Indonesian President Sukarno on March 11, 1966, giving the Army commander Lt. Gen. Suharto authority to take whatever measures he "deemed necessary" to restore order to the chaotic situation...
to assist him in laying down the building blocks of the New Order
New Order (Indonesia)
The New Order is the term coined by former Indonesian President Suharto to characterize his regime as he came to power in 1966. Suharto used this term to contrast his rule with that of his predecessor, Sukarno...
regime. Spri included six Army officers and twelve civilians . In 1968, after Suharto had been appointed President, he disbanded Spri and formed Aspri; limiting its membership to Army officers only. Although their position did not entail a lot of official power, some members of Aspri, most notably Ali Murtopo
Ali Murtopo
Ali Murtopo was a prominent Indonesian general and political figure during the first half of General Suharto's New Order regime.-Early life:...
and Sujono Humardhani became powerful and influential figures in their own rights .
Aspri was not popular with the people for its power and critics of the regime took the opportunity to ask for it to be disbanded in the last months of 1973 and January 1974 . Suharto recognized the people's demand and disbanded Aspri after the Malari Incident
Malari incident
The Malari incident was a student demonstration and riot that happened from 15 to 16 January 1974. In reaction to a state visit by Japan Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka, students held a demonstration protesting corruption, high prices, and inequality in foreign investments...
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Members
The members of Aspri were :- Aspri for Special Affairs: Maj. Gen. Ali Murtopo
- Aspri for Economics: Maj. Gen. Sujono Humardhani
- Aspri for Finance: Lt. Gen. Suryo
- Aspri for Presidential Security: Maj. Gen. Tjokropranolo