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Hartono left behind a devastated
widow and 4 small daughters,
struggling after his death, abandoned by his Corps and the Navy
Grace and her family lived under difficult circumstances after Hartono's death January 1971. Her social relations
dwindled as many
of her military friends and their families distanced themselves from her as if they feared to be identified with
the Hartono's.
The ALRI/KKO led the way by treating Hartono's widow as non-existent and ignoring her needs
Hartono had an excellent military career and was considered a dedicated and outstanding leader, admired, respected
and liked by
his troops, fellow officers and commanders. He was buried at Kalibata, the heroes cemetery, with military honors.
But his Corps and the Navy abdandoned his wife and children. Why? A big thus far unanswered question.
Why a burial at the heroes cemetery but abandonment of his bereaved widow and children?
In those years the remaining small circle of loyal friends and sympathizers could not do much.
Each struggled with their own problems political or otherwise.
The official version was that he committed suicide, which, as stated above, has been doubted all along by both
family, friends and
fellow officers. He was taken to the RSPAD military hospital instead of the Naval Hospital which would have been
more appropriate.
The family was not allowed to see him until his body was ready for burial raising big question marks.
No death certificate has been made available in spite of frequent requests creating difficulties in settlement
of financial matters and
his estate. Why ? A big question mark.
Hartono was buried the same day of his death, his family still in North Korea. Because of difficult flight connections
Grace and family
did not arrive in Jakarta until 2 weeks later. She was told that after Hartono's death the house was searched by
the Military Police.
Personal goods including his briefcase and documents were confiscated. Even a box of music cassettes for his children
was taken
away as if looking for some hidden taped information. It can be assumed that Hartono kept a record of his meetings
in Jakarta, however
no such documentation was found. Why were all his documents confiscated? What indeed were the searchers looking
for? ?
Another big unanswered question.
One of the family's most loyal and supportive friends was Ali Sadikin, then Governor of Jakarta. He was not
only a close friend but also
assisted financially to the best of his ability, including helping with house rental payments.
The ALRI (Indonesian Navy) and Marine Corps did nothing to assist in the family needs, the family of an officer
buried with heroes honors,
a distinguished officer and proclaimed pillar of the Indonesian Marine Corps.
All Hartono's colleagues and or their widows received housing in the Pangkalan Jati ALRI complex.
The widows of Admirals Martadinata and Muljadi applied for housing there and encouraged Grace to do the same, which
she did.
The application of Grace was denied without explanation.
She finally rented a very modest one bedroom home for her and her children in the Pamulang area with the help
of Ali Sadikin.
In the course of time it became clear that Hartono's death had a political background.
Some Jakarta metropolitan papers and magazines published stories questioning the "suicide" designation
provided by the government.
On 13 September 2004 Jakarta's Trans TV dedicated a "Lacak" (investigative) broadcast highlighting the
controversies surrounding the "suicide" , interviewing 2 leading Navy officers with prominent positions
at the time of his death.
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Admiral Sudomo
Navy Chief of Staff
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Lt General KKO Ali Sadikin
Governor Jakarta Raya
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Sudomo insisted it was a suicide
Ali Sadikin maintained that Hartono was murdered.
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