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There are two sides to every story. At least that’s what Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana, who is better known as Mbak Tutut, aims to show in her new book, “Pak Harto: The Untold Stories,” a memoir of her late father, Suharto.

Published in June to mark what would have been the former president’s 90th birthday, the book is a compilation of stories told by those in Suharto’s close circles, including former leaders from neighboring countries, such as Malaysia’s Mahathir Mohamad, Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew and Fidel Ramos of the Philippines.

Many would be inclined to dismiss the rose-tinted view presented by the former strongman’s family and close friends, remembering the oppressive rule of his New Order regime and its poor human rights record. Suharto’s New Order may be over, but from a historical and sociological viewpoint, the damage it inflicted may continue to affect people for generations.

But to read this book is to see the other side of the story — even if it is only the positive side that is presented by Suharto’s daughter. Despite its self-declared bias, the book is worth reading due to the historical insights it offers into Indonesia’s longest-serving leader.

The “untold stories” promised in the book’s title are presented by more than 100 sources who offered to share the details of their impressions and private interactions with the Smiling General. The stories are grouped into eight chapters, each covering a different angle and period of the former president’s rule.

In the first chapter, “Ksatria Cemerlang” (“Bright Knight”), Suharto is described by fellow heads of government Mahathir and Lee as a calm and understanding leader who respected his colleagues equally.

Lee recalls his awkward first meeting with Suharto, when Indonesia and Singapore had not yet established a diplomatic relationship. The longtime prime minister of Singapore praises Suharto as a man of his word and a pragmatic statesman. The chapter is accompanied by photos of a much younger-looking Suharto, free of wrinkles and decidedly leaner.

The second chapter, “Bahu Membahu Demi Negara” (“Together for the Country”), collects the impressions of members of the former president’s inner circle, including former ministers Harmoko, Joop Ave and Hayono Isman, who offer predictably positive accounts of Suharto’s leadership style.

The next chapter, “Kedua Tangan Itu Selalu Terbuka” (“Those Hands Are Always Open”), makes room for Suharto’s political opponents — but even these appear to be positive stories.

Andi Mapetahang Fatwa, an activist who was jailed by the New Order regime for 18 years, is quoted as saying that his imprisonment was the collective responsibility of the regime and the nation, and should not be blamed on Suharto alone.

Taufik Kiemas, speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) and husband of former President Megawati Sukarnoputri, recalls his last meeting with Suharto. He said Suharto’s last message was to defend Pancasila, the state ideology, and the Republic of Indonesia.

The most interesting part of the book is the historical tidbits provided about Suharto’s participation in the struggle for independence. Des Alwi Abubakar, a prominent historian who passed away last year, tells a story about how Suharto saved a fellow spy during the Japanese occupation by dressing him as a girl.

Many of the former president’s favorite sayings are sprinkled throughout the book, most of them showing his strong connection with Javanese culture.

As a memoir of an influential public figure, “Pak Harto: The Untold Stories” is a well-formulated document. The story of Suharto’s life is told colorfully, with a wide range of sources, from politicians to celebrities, religious scholars, teachers, puppet masters and even the former president’s barber.

Instead of commenting on his style of governance, these sources share their stories about what the former president said, what he ate and about his personal preferences. It is a deeply personal perspective on Suharto.

As the reader nears the final chapters, the question lingers: What is the former president’s true legacy for Indonesia? Just as Mbak Tutut writes in her preface to the book, only time will tell.