“He Fought for This Country”: Indonesia Names Former President Suharto National Hero Amid Outcry

Indonesia has added former president Suharto to its list of national heroes. The decision sparked criticism from activists and academics. The decree was read during Monday’s National Hero Day ceremony by the presidential military secretary. Suharto joins nine others, including former president Abdurrahman Wahid, slain labor activist Marsinah, women’s rights advocates, Islamic scholars, and independence fighters.

President Prabowo Subianto, Suharto’s former son-in-law, presided over the ceremony. His office defended the move, saying the president has the constitutional right to honor anyone. “It is part of how we honor our predecessors, especially leaders who have made extraordinary contributions to the nation,” said State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi.

Suharto ruled Indonesia for more than 30 years after seizing power in 1967 following a failed military coup. His rule was marked by corruption, violent crackdowns and human rights abuses. He died in 2008 at the age of 86.

The decision triggered protests. Last week, about 500 civil society members, activists and academics wrote to President Prabowo urging him to reconsider. They said awarding Suharto the title betrayed victims and undermined democracy. It also distorted history, they warned.

Rights group Kontras called the designation immoral. “Suharto, suspected of human rights violations and state violence, does not deserve to be a national hero,” said Kontras coordinator Dimas Bagus Arya. Critics said honoring him could normalize impunity.

Suharto’s children, Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana and Bambang Trihatmodjo, attended the ceremony. Siti praised her father. “Please remember what my father had done… all his fights for this country and the Indonesian people,” she said.

Despite the protests, the ceremony went ahead. Suharto’s posthumous recognition stands. The move highlights Indonesia’s struggle to reconcile history with human rights. Observers say it may influence how future generations view Suharto’s controversial legacy.