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Umar Wirahadikusumah (; 10 October 1924 – 21 March 2003) was an
Indonesian Indonesian is anything of, from, or related to Indonesia, an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia. It may refer to: * Indonesians, citizens of Indonesia ** Native Indonesians, diverse groups of local inhabitants of the archipelago ** Indonesia ...
politician and former
army An army (from Old French ''armee'', itself derived from the Latin verb ''armāre'', meaning "to arm", and related to the Latin noun ''arma'', meaning "arms" or "weapons"), ground force or land force is a fighting force that fights primarily on ...
general, who served as the fourth
Vice President of Indonesia The vice president of the Republic of Indonesia ( id, Wakil Presiden Republik Indonesia) is second-highest officer in the executive branch of the Indonesian government, after the president, and ranks first in the presidential line of suc ...
, serving from 1983 until 1988. Previously, he was chair of the
Audit Board of Indonesia The Audit Board of Indonesia (Indonesian: ''Badan Pemeriksa Keuangan Republik Indonesia'', literally ''Financial Audit Board of the Republic of Indonesia'') is a high state body in Indonesia which is responsible for evaluation of management and a ...
from 1973 until 1983, and Chief of Staff of the
Indonesian Army The Indonesian Army ( id, Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Darat (TNI-AD), ) is the land branch of the Indonesian National Armed Forces. It has an estimated strength of 300,000 active personnel. The history of the Indonesian Army has its r ...
from 1969 until 1973. Born on 10 October 1924, to a noble Sundanese family. He was educated at the
Europeesche Lagere School Europeesche Lagere School (ELS) was a European elementary school system in what was then the Dutch East Indies during colonial rule. The schools were intended primarily for Europeans. The implementation of basic education at that time was diff ...
Tasikmalaya en, Neaty City , nickname = nl, Delhi Van Java en, Delhi of Java , image_skyline = , imagesize = , image_caption = Clockwise from the top: Great Mosque of Tasi ...
and Meer Uitgebreid Lager Onderwijs
Pasundan The State of Pasundan (Indonesian and su, Negara Pasundan) was a federal state ''(negara bagian)'' formed in the western part of the Indonesian island of Java by the Netherlands in 1948 following the Linggadjati Agreement. It was similar to the ...
. He entered the military in 1943, during the Japanese occupation. He would go on to serve in the
Indonesian Army The Indonesian Army ( id, Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Darat (TNI-AD), ) is the land branch of the Indonesian National Armed Forces. It has an estimated strength of 300,000 active personnel. The history of the Indonesian Army has its r ...
during and after the
Indonesian National Revolution The Indonesian National Revolution, or the Indonesian War of Independence, was an armed conflict and diplomatic struggle between the Republic of Indonesia and the Dutch Empire and an internal social revolution during postwar and postcol ...
, seeing combat in the Madiun Affair and the PRRI rebellion. After hearing about the kidnapping of six Generals and seeing unidentified troops occupying the Merdeka Square, Umar sent word to Kostrad Commander, Major General
Suharto Suharto (; ; 8 June 1921 – 27 January 2008) was an Indonesian army officer and politician, who served as the second and the longest serving president of Indonesia. Widely regarded as a military dictator by international observers, Suharto le ...
of the events which had just unfolded and requested his assistance. Umar accepted Suharto's decision to assume command of the Army and supported him in his efforts to crack down on the attempted coup, gaining great trust from Suharto. In 1967, Umar became Deputy Army Chief of Staff before finally becoming the Army Chief of Staff himself in 1969. In 1973, his active military career came to an end and he became the Chairman of the State Audit Board (BPK), a position which he would hold until 1973. In 1983, he was selected by Suharto to become vice president, a choice considered rather unexpected. As vice president, he combated corruption and held prayer services at the vice presidential palace. His term as vice president ended in March 1988 when he was replaced by Sudharmono. He died on 21 March 2003, due to heart and lung problems. His body was interred at the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery, Jakarta.


Early life and education

Umar Wirahadikusumah was born in Situraja,
Sumedang Sumedang (former spelling: Soemedang) is a town in Western Java, Indonesia, approximately 46 km northeast of Bandung. It is the capital of Sumedang Regency. The town is just south of the volcanic Mount Tampomas, which is 1,684 m (5,52 ...
,
West Java West Java ( id, Jawa Barat, su, ᮏᮝ ᮊᮥᮜᮧᮔ᮪, romanized ''Jawa Kulon'') is a province of Indonesia on the western part of the island of Java, with its provincial capital in Bandung. West Java is bordered by the province of Bante ...
on 10 October 1924, to a noble family. His father, Raden Rangga Wirahadikusumah, was the Wedana of Ciawi, and
Tasikmalaya en, Neaty City , nickname = nl, Delhi Van Java en, Delhi of Java , image_skyline = , imagesize = , image_caption = Clockwise from the top: Great Mosque of Tasi ...
. While his mother, Raden Ratnaringrum, was the daughter of
Patih Vicegerent is the official administrative deputy of a ruler or head of state: ''vice'' (Latin for "in place of") and ''gerere'' (Latin for "to carry on, conduct"). In Oxford colleges, a vicegerent is often someone appointed by the Master of a ...
Demang Kartamenda in
Bandung Bandung ( su, ᮘᮔ᮪ᮓᮥᮀ, Bandung, ; ) is the capital city of the Indonesian province of West Java. It has a population of 2,452,943 within its city limits according to the official estimates as at mid 2021, making it the fourth mos ...
. His mother died when Umar was little, and he and his siblings were cared for by his grandmother, Nyi Raja Juwita, who at that time lived in Cicalengka. After his grandmother died, his father took him to Ciawi. While in Cicalengka, Umar entered
kindergarten Kindergarten is a preschool educational approach based on playing, singing, practical activities such as drawing, and social interaction as part of the transition from home to school. Such institutions were originally made in the late 18th cent ...
and
elementary school A primary school (in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and South Africa), junior school (in Australia), elementary school or grade school (in North America and the Philippines) is a school for primary ed ...
at Hollandsch-Inlandsche School. He continued his education at the
Europeesche Lagere School Europeesche Lagere School (ELS) was a European elementary school system in what was then the Dutch East Indies during colonial rule. The schools were intended primarily for Europeans. The implementation of basic education at that time was diff ...
Tasikmalaya en, Neaty City , nickname = nl, Delhi Van Java en, Delhi of Java , image_skyline = , imagesize = , image_caption = Clockwise from the top: Great Mosque of Tasi ...
and Meer Uitgebreid Lager Onderwijs
Pasundan The State of Pasundan (Indonesian and su, Negara Pasundan) was a federal state ''(negara bagian)'' formed in the western part of the Indonesian island of Java by the Netherlands in 1948 following the Linggadjati Agreement. It was similar to the ...
, and he completed his education.


Military service


Pre-independence

In 1943, with Indonesia now under Japanese Occupation, Umar enlisted with youth groups operating under the supervision of the Japanese Occupational Government. These youth groups provided some physical training which Umar undertook. This was followed in October 1944 by
PETA Peta or PETA may refer to: Acronym * Pembela Tanah Air, a militia established by the occupying Japanese in Indonesia in 1943 * People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, an American animal rights organization * People Eating Tasty Animals, ...
, an auxiliary force consisting of Indonesian recruits which was intended to assist the Japanese in fighting the Allies. When Indonesia declared its Independence, Umar, like many other youths of similar age joined the TKR (The People's Security Soldiers), the forerunner to the TNI. After the
Indonesian National Revolution The Indonesian National Revolution, or the Indonesian War of Independence, was an armed conflict and diplomatic struggle between the Republic of Indonesia and the Dutch Empire and an internal social revolution during postwar and postcol ...
in which the fledgling nation successfully prevented the Dutch from reoccupying them, Umar served in the Army. Umar served for a long time in
Kodam VI/Siliwangi Military Regional Command III/Siliwangi ( id, Komando Daerah Militer III/Siliwangi or Kodam III/Siliwangi) is an Indonesian Army Regional Military Command that covers Banten and West Java province. The division was formed during the Indonesia ...
(
Siliwangi Division Military Regional Command III/Siliwangi ( id, Komando Daerah Militer III/Siliwangi or Kodam III/Siliwangi) is an Indonesian Army Regional Military Command that covers Banten and West Java province. The division was formed during the Indone ...
) which was stationed in his native province of
West Java West Java ( id, Jawa Barat, su, ᮏᮝ ᮊᮥᮜᮧᮔ᮪, romanized ''Jawa Kulon'') is a province of Indonesia on the western part of the island of Java, with its provincial capital in Bandung. West Java is bordered by the province of Bante ...
. He worked his way up the ranks, participating in a crackdown of the Communists in 1948 as well as fighting the PRRI rebellion in Sumatra. He was also at one time, the adjutant of
AH Nasution General of the Army Abdul Haris Nasution ( Old Spelling: Abdoel Haris Nasution; 3 December 1918 – 6 September 2000), was a high-ranking Indonesian general and politician. He served in the military during the Indonesian National Revolution and ...
when the latter held the position of Kodam VI/Siliwangi Commander.


Post-independence

In 1959, Umar was trusted as the Commander of Kodam V/Jaya and he was now in charge of security around Jakarta. On the morning of 1 October 1965, six Generals were kidnapped from their houses. As the Commander of Kodam V/Jaya, Umar went around the city to check its security. After hearing about the kidnappings and seeing the unidentified troops occupying the Merdeka Square, Umar sent word to Kostrad Commander, Major General
Suharto Suharto (; ; 8 June 1921 – 27 January 2008) was an Indonesian army officer and politician, who served as the second and the longest serving president of Indonesia. Widely regarded as a military dictator by international observers, Suharto le ...
of the events which had just unfolded and requested his assistance. Umar accepted Suharto's decision to assume command of the Army and supported him in his efforts to crack down on the attempted coup. Towards midday, Umar received a summon from President
Sukarno Sukarno). (; born Koesno Sosrodihardjo, ; 6 June 1901 – 21 June 1970) was an Indonesian statesman, orator, revolutionary, and nationalist who was the first president of Indonesia, serving from 1945 to 1967. Sukarno was the leader ...
who was suspiciously at
Halim Perdanakusuma Airport Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport ( id, Bandar Udara Internasional Halim Perdanakusuma) is an international airport in Jakarta, Indonesia. The airport is located in East Jakarta and the airfield is conjoined with the Halim Perdanaku ...
, the place where the six Generals were taken. Suharto was worried that this was an attempt to get Umar to Halim and have him killed. Suharto firmly rejected the order. As Suharto retook control of the situation in Jakarta, Umar further consolidated it. He declared a
curfew A curfew is a government order specifying a time during which certain regulations apply. Typically, curfews order all people affected by them to ''not'' be in public places or on roads within a certain time frame, typically in the evening and ...
between 6 pm and 6 am and placed watch on all of the city's newspapers. When blame for the incident was beginning to be put on the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI), Umar approved of the formation of Union of Action To Exterminate The 30 September Movement (KAP-GESTAPU), leading to the mass killing of an estimated half a million people in 1965–1966. Although he was not part of Suharto's inner circle, Umar won great trust from Suharto for the assistance and support given in putting down 30 September Movement. As Suharto began a rise which would see him end up as
President of Indonesia The President of the Republic of Indonesia ( id, Presiden Republik Indonesia) is both the head of state and the head of government of the Republic of Indonesia. The president leads the executive branch of the Indonesian government and i ...
, Umar's career also skyrocketed. In 1965, Suharto entrusted Umar to replace him as Commander of Kostrad. In 1967, Umar became Deputy Army Chief of Staff before finally becoming the Army Chief of Staff himself in 1969. In 1973, his active military career came to an end and he became the Chairman of the State Audit Board (BPK), a position which he would hold for 10 years. As Chairman of BPK, Umar was responsible for making sure that Government Departments, Ministries, and Agencies were using their money properly. During his tenure as Chairman of BPK, Umar made the grim assessment that not even one Government department was free from corruption.


Vice Presidency

In March 1983, Umar reached the pinnacle of his career. Suharto, who had been elected for a 4th term as president by the
People's Consultative Assembly The People's Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia ( id, Majelis Permusyawaratan Rakyat Republik Indonesia, MPR-RI) is the legislative branch in Indonesia's political system. It is composed of the members of the People's Re ...
(MPR) selected Umar to be his
Vice President A vice president, also director in British English, is an officer in government or business who is below the president (chief executive officer) in rank. It can also refer to executive vice presidents, signifying that the vice president is o ...
. This was considered to be a rather unexpected choice as Umar's stature in Indonesian politics paled in comparison compared to his two predecessors,
Hamengkubuwono IX Hamengkubuwono IX or HB IX (12 April 1912 – 2 October 1988) was an Indonesian statesman and royal who was the second vice president of Indonesia, the ninth sultan of Yogyakarta, and the first governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta. Hame ...
and
Adam Malik Adam Malik Batubara (22 July 1917 – 5 September 1984), or more commonly referred to simply as Adam Malik, was an Indonesian politician, diplomat, and journalist, who served as the 3rd Vice President of Indonesia from 1978 until 1983, under P ...
. Despite being a low-key personality, Umar had a good reputation and was widely respected. As Vice President, Umar became one of the very few in the Suharto regime who chose to combat corruption. As a religious man, Umar had hoped that religion can be used to turn corruptors to do the right deeds. Umar also conducted surprise inspections (sometimes incognito) to regional towns and villages to monitor how government policies were affecting the people. During his vice presidency, Umar also held prayer services at the Vice Presidential Palace. Umar's term as vice president ended in March 1988 when he was replaced by Sudharmono. Many were disappointed to see him not continue for a second term as vice president. It was a testament to his good reputation that Sudharmono wanted to be sure of Umar's acceptance to not continuing as vice president for another term.


Post-vice presidency

In May 1998, on the eve of Suharto's fall, Umar, together with Sudharmono and Try Sutrisno visited Suharto at his residence to discuss possible options. Umar died on 21 March 2003 due to heart and lung problems at 7:53 pm. at the Central Army Hospital (RSPAD) Gatot Subroto. He was interred at the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery, Jakarta.


Personal life

Umar married Karlinah Djaja Atmadja on 2 February 1957, with whom he had two daughters. Umar Wirahadikusumah was also the uncle of Agus Wirahadikusumah, a reformist military officer who himself became Commander of Kostrad.


Honours


National honours

The following is a list of awards awarded to Umar by the Indonesian government: * Star of the Republic of Indonesia, 2nd Class ( id, Bintang Republik Indonesia Adipradana) (12 March 1983) * Star of Mahaputera, 2nd Class ( id, Bintang Mahaputera Adipradana) (19 May 1973) * Military Distinguished Service Star ( id,
Bintang Dharma Awards and decorations of the Republic of Indonesia are both military and civilian awards for service and personal contributions to the Republic of Indonesia. According to the Constitution of Indonesia, Chapter III Article 15: ''"The President gran ...
) * Guerrilla Star ( id,
Bintang Gerilya Bintang Beer ( id, Bir Bintang, literally "Star Beer") is a brand of beer from Indonesia and is produced by PT Multi Bintang Indonesia Tbk, part of Heineken. The beer is styled as a pale lager, gold in colour with an ideal serving temperature ...
) * Star of Kartika Eka Paksi, 1st Class ( id,
Bintang Kartika Eka Paksi Utama Bintang Beer ( id, Bir Bintang, literally "Star Beer") is a brand of beer from Indonesia and is produced by PT Multi Bintang Indonesia Tbk, part of Heineken. The beer is styled as a pale lager, gold in colour with an ideal serving temperature ...
) * Star of Jalasena, 1st Class ( id, Bintang Jalasena Utama) * Star of Bhayangkara, 1st Class ( id,
Bintang Bhayangkara Utama Bintang Beer ( id, Bir Bintang, literally "Star Beer") is a brand of beer from Indonesia and is produced by PT Multi Bintang Indonesia Tbk, part of Heineken. The beer is styled as a pale lager, gold in colour with an ideal serving temperature ...
) * Star of Kartika Eka Paksi, 2nd Class ( id, Bintang Kartika Eka Paksi Pratama) * Star of Jalasena, 2nd Class ( id, Bintang Jalasena Pratama) * Star of Bhayangkara, 2nd Class ( id, Bintang Bhayangkara Pratama) * Star of Kartika Eka Paksi, 3rd Class ( id, Bintang Kartika Eka Paksi Nararya) * Indonesian Armed Forces "8 Years" Service Star ( id, Bintang Sewindu Angkatan Perang Republik Indonesia) * Military Long Service Medal, 24 Years Service ( id, Satyalancana Kesetiaan XXIV Tahun) * 1st Independence War Medal ( id, Satyalancana Perang Kemerdekaan I) * 2nd Independence War Medal ( id, Satyalancana Perang Kemerdekaan II) * Military Operational Service Medal for Madiun 1947 ( id, Satyalancana G.O.M I) * Military Operational Service Medal for Angkatan Ratu Adil 1947 ( id, Satyalancana G.O.M II) * Military Operational Service Medal for Jawa Barat 1959 ( id, Satyalancana G.O.M V) * "Sapta Marga" Medal ( id, Satyalancana Sapta Marga) * Northern Borneo Military Campaign Medal ( id, Satyalancana Wira Dharma) * Medal for Combat Against Communists ( id, Satyalancana Penegak) * Military Instructor Service Medal ( id,
Satyalancana Dwidya Sistha Awards and decorations of the Republic of Indonesia are both military and civilian awards for service and personal contributions to the Republic of Indonesia. According to the Constitution of Indonesia, Chapter III Article 15: ''"The President gra ...
)


Foreign honours

The following is a list of awards awarded to Umar by foreign government: * : ** Honorary Commander of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia (P.S.M.) (1972) * : ** Grand Cross of the
Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany The Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (german: Verdienstorden der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, or , BVO) is the only federal decoration of Germany. It is awarded for special achievements in political, economic, cultural, intellect ...
* : ** Knight Grand Cross of the
Order of Orange-Nassau The Order of Orange-Nassau ( nl, Orde van Oranje-Nassau, links=no) is a civil and military Dutch order of chivalry founded on 4 April 1892 by the queen regent, Emma of the Netherlands. The order is a chivalric order open to "everyone who has ...
* : ** Second Rank of the Order of the People's Army with Golden Star * : ** Commander of the
Legion of Merit The Legion of Merit (LOM) is a military award of the United States Armed Forces that is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. The decoration is issued to members of the eight ...
* : ** First Class (Tong-il) of the
Order of National Security Merit The Order of National Security Merit (Hangul: 보국훈장) is one of South Korea's orders of merit. It is awarded by the President of South Korea for "outstanding meritorious services in the interest of national security." Grades The order i ...


Notes


Further reading

*


External links


Profile at TokohIndonesia


{{DEFAULTSORT:Wirahadikusumah, Umar 1924 births 2003 deaths Chiefs of Staff of the Indonesian Army Golkar politicians Honorary Commanders of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia Indonesian collaborators with Imperial Japan Indonesian generals Members of Pembela Tanah Air People from Sumedang Sundanese people Vice presidents of Indonesia