19 Facts About Amir Machmud

Amir Machmud was born on 21 February 1923 in Cimahi, West Java.

Amir Machmud was the second of five siblings and his father worked for a public company under the Dutch Colonial Government.

Amir Machmud was educated at the "Ardjoena" Hollandsch-Inlandsche School in Bandung, graduating in 1938.

Amir Machmud continued his education at a technical school for a further two years, and then in 1941 he took a topography course.

Amir Machmud joined PETA in 1943 and remained a member until 1945.

Amir Machmud was then transferred to North Bandung, where he led his troops in battles against British troops and Dutch troops, who were eager to retain their colonial empire.

In 1950, Amir Machmud was involved in a crackdown against the "Just Ruler" Legion, a military group that entered Bandung and started targeting TNI soldiers.

Amir Machmud studied at the Army Staff College Here, he learned about politics and economics, important subjects for a soldier in an army increasingly involved in the running of the Government.

Amir Machmud became acquainted with Suharto during his time at Seskoad.

Once he had completed his Seskoad course, Amir Machmud was appointed Caduad Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army General Reserve, who would go on to become Kostrad, which was a strategic force that was designed to be on standby at all times so that it could easily be summoned during any national emergency.

Amir Machmud's appointment came at a crucial point in Indonesian history and it was during his appointment that Suharto was beginning to gather political support and momentum to mount a challenge to Sukarno.

Ten minutes into the meeting, Amir Machmud was approached by Brigadier General Sabur, the Commander of the Presidential Bodyguards.

The meeting was adjourned after Sukarno left for Bogor with a helicopter and Amir Machmud was joined by Major General Basuki Rachmat, who was the Minister of Veterans' Affairs and Brigadier General Mohammad Jusuf, who was the Minister of Industry.

At Bogor, the three met with Sukarno and Amir Machmud said to Sukarno that the situation was secure.

Amir Machmud suggested that Sukarno give Suharto some powers and govern Indonesia with him so that everything can be secured.

Amir Machmud dealt harshly with the people who had gone to prison for allegedly being involved with the PKI.

In October 1982, Amir Machmud was elected as the chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly and speaker of the concurrently speaker of the People's Representative Council.

Amir Machmud presided over the 1983 MPR General Session which saw Suharto being elected to a 4th term as President with Umar Wirahadikusumah being elected to the Vice Presidency.

Amir Machmud died on 21 April 1995 leaving a wife, two children and ten grandchildren.