The journey of Suharto (48), a former cyclist who gave birth to the name of the Indonesian nation, was not an easy one. After retiring as an athlete, he had to become a pedicab driver to make ends meet.
After obtaining a gold medal at the 1979 SEA Games Malaysia for the 100km team time trial, he chose to retire as an athlete. Suharto’s life wasn’t necessarily comfortable. He had to live adrift for 40 years for his family’s survival.
When found detik JatimThis 70 year old man shows his residence in a 1.5X3 meter hut which is located behind a used goods warehouse in Jalan Veteran 13 A no 15, Kebomas, Gresik. The warehouse belonged to his nephew.
From on-site observations, there were some used goods and junk that emitted an odor. Chicken and bird cages add to the musty smell around the hut.
Not to mention as night falls, some insects will stop to fill the void of the hut. Also, the hut is located right next to a public grave.
Although the condition of the hut is far from a suitable place to live, Suharto admits that he is more comfortable living in the hut than having to live in his hometown of Surabaya. For nearly 40 years living in Surabaya, he never received any help or attention from the government.
“I’d rather stay here, live in an old hut, but in Gresik. I’ve lived in Surabaya for decades, let alone help, I’ve never visited the lurah,” Suharto told detikJatim on Wednesday (10/19/2022).
Since his wife died, Suharto had lived alone in a boarding room. Since he was two years behind schedule, he was confused about finding a place to live.
“I was confused, my three children, that nojawani (respect) for me is dead. I’m only 2 now, but they don’t want to take care of me. Even when their mother died, they didn’t come, “Suharto said.
Fortunately, after the last Eid, his grandson invited Suharto to live in Gresik. He also brought his rickshaw and used it to collect used goods.
“I’ve lived here since the last Eid. Until now I still live here,” he said.
Watch videos”The Pedicab pilot who won gold at the Sea Games in 1979 has finally become a Bapenda employee“
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