The journey of Suharto (48), a former cyclist who brought the name of the Indonesian nation to life, was not easy. After retiring as an athlete, he had to become a pedicab driver to make ends meet.
After getting a gold medal at the 1979 SEA Games Malaysia for the 100-kilometer Team Time Trial, he chose to retire as an athlete. Suharto’s life was not necessarily comfortable. He had to live adrift for 40 years for the survival of his family.
When found detikJatimThis 70-year-old man shows his residence in a hut measuring 1.5X3 meters which is located behind a used goods warehouse on Jalan Veteran 13 A no 15, Kebomas, Gresik. The warehouse belonged to his nephew.
From observations at the location, there were some used goods and garbage that emitted a smell. Chicken and bird cages add to the musty smell around the hut.
Not to mention when night falls, some insects will stop by to fill the void of the hut. Moreover, the hut is right next to a public grave.
Although the condition of the hut is far from being 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 almost 40 years living in Surabaya, he has 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 said to detikJatim, Wednesday (19/10/2022).
Since his wife died, Suharto had lived alone in a boarding room. Because he was in arrears for 2 years, he was confused about finding a place to live.
“I was confused, my three children, who njawani (respect) to me it’s dead. Now there are only 2, but they don’t want to take care of me. Even when their mother died, they didn’t come,” Suharto said.
Luckily, after last Eid, his nephew invited Suharto to live in Gresik. He also brought his rickshaw and used it to collect used goods.
“I have lived here since last Eid. Until now I still live here,” he said.
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