November 10, 2025 | 11:02 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto officially conferred the title of National Hero on former president Soeharto during a state ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Central Jakarta on Monday, November 10, 2025.
Soeharto was among ten figures honored at the National Hero Title Bestowal Ceremony, held annually to recognize individuals deemed to have made exceptional contributions to Indonesia’s unity and development.
The announcement was made by Military Secretary Wahyu Yudhayana, citing Presidential Decree No. 116/TK/2025 on the Bestowal of National Hero Titles.
“This decision is a high tribute and an expression of gratitude for their extraordinary services in realizing the unity and integrity of the nation,” Wahyu said.
In addition to Soeharto, the other recipients include former presidents Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur), labor activist Marsinah, former justice minister Mochtar Kusumaatmadja, Islamic educator Rahmah El Yunusiyyah, and former Army Para-Commando Regiment (RPKAD) commander Sarwo Edhie Wibowo.
Other honorees are Sultan Muhammad Salahuddin, Syaikhona Muhammad Kholil, Tuan Rondahaim Saragih, and Sultan Tidore Zainal Abidin Syah.
Following the announcement, Prabowo, dressed in a gray suit with a blue tie and a black peci, greeted and shook hands with the families of the honorees.
State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi said the conferral of the titles was a gesture of respect to past leaders and national figures.
“This is how we honor our predecessors, especially those who made extraordinary contributions to the nation and the state,” Prasetyo said.
Public Backlash over Soeharto’s Inclusion
The decision to name Soeharto a national hero has sparked strong criticism and protests from civil society groups. Demonstrators from the Civil Society Movement for Justice for Soeharto (Gemas) gathered outside the Ministry of Culture in Jakarta on Thursday, November 6, 2025, opposing the government’s move.
Gemas representative Axel Primayoga said that awarding Soeharto the title would “undermine the meaning of heroism” in Indonesia, citing his record of human rights violations, corruption, collusion, and nepotism.
“Soeharto’s track record disqualifies him from receiving such an honor,” Axel said, referring to the repressive nature of Soeharto’s 32-year rule under the New Order regime.
Catholic priest and philosopher Franz Magnis-Suseno, widely known as Romo Magnis, echoed the criticism.
Speaking at a public discussion titled Rejecting Soeharto’s National Hero Title at the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) building in Jakarta on Tuesday, November 4, he argued that Soeharto’s legacy of corruption and abuse of power was incompatible with the values of national heroism.
“Soeharto engaged in massive corruption. He enriched himself, his family, and his close associates. That is not the act of a national hero,” Romo Magnis said.
He also pointed to Soeharto’s role in the 1965-1966 mass killings, which left hundreds of thousands dead. “An ideal national hero does not violate ethics, let alone commit crimes,” he said.
Editor’s Choice: Sydney-Based Indonesian Students and Diaspora Reject Soeharto's National Hero Title
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