Before he died, former President Soeharto asked for two things: pizza and Tahajjud prayer

Thekabarnews.com—Soeharto, Indonesia’s second president, spent most of the last few months of his life in bed because his health was getting worse. Due to complications from a long-term sickness, he had to go through intense medical treatment multiple times. His passing was a quiet and vulnerable time in the life of a man who was once known for his strong leadership.

Soeharto requested his kids to come to him when his health got worse. The former president, known for his quiet and restrained nature, made two demands during the family meeting. These demands shocked those who were closest to him.

It was strange that he asked for something first. Soeharto suddenly requested pizza, which he did not eat very often. This was especially unusual when he was sick and his appetite was very low. The family did not expect the request at first.

Later, it became evident that the pizza was not about wanting food. He celebrated his daughter Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana’s birthday—better known as Tutut—by holding a small party. The event was one of the rare times in his later days when Soeharto seemed substantially brighter. Even though his breathing was getting weaker, he enjoyed the gathering.

He asked again a little while later. Soeharto wanted his bed to face the qibla, which is the direction that Muslims pray in. The request felt quite personal. In Islam, sick people do not have to face the qibla while they pray. 

By contrast, Soeharto demanded that they move his bed. He wanted to do the Tahajjud prayer in the time he had left. His family will always remember those two simple requests: to spend time with his family and to get ready spiritually.

Soeharto did not ask for power or privilege in his last days. Instead, he chose to live in unity and devotion. One plea was about his love for his family, and the other was about his readiness to meet God.

Though people had long seen him as an authority figure, his last moments showed something simply human. He was a father celebrating his child’s birthday and a believer directing his body toward prayer.

Writer: Melinda Diva