November 10, 2025 | 12:41 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has officially conferred the title of National Hero on ten prominent figures in a state ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Central Jakarta on Monday, November 10, 2025.
The honorees are:
Former President Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur)
Former President Soeharto
Labor activist Marsinah
Former Minister of Justice Mochtar Kusumaatmadja
Islamic educator Rahmah El Yunusiyyah
Former Army Commando Regiment (RPKAD) Commander Sarwo Edhie Wibowo
Sultan Muhammad Salahuddin
Islamic scholar Syaikhona Muhammad Kholil
Tuan Rondahaim Saragih
Sultan Tidore Zainal Abidin Syah
The announcement was made by Military Secretary Wahyu Yudhayana, who said the decision was based on Presidential Decree No. 116/TK/2025 concerning the Bestowal of National Hero Titles.
“This decision is a high tribute and expression of gratitude for their extraordinary service in upholding the unity and integrity of the nation,” Wahyu said.
After the announcement, Prabowo, wearing a gray suit with a blue tie and a black peci, greeted and shook hands with representatives of the honorees’ families.
State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi said the conferment of the titles was a gesture of respect to Indonesia’s past leaders and national figures.
“This is how we honor our predecessors, especially those who have made extraordinary contributions to the nation and the state,” Prasetyo said.
Public Controversy over Soeharto’s Inclusion
The decision to name Soeharto a National Hero has drawn sharp criticism from civil society groups. Members of the Civil Society Movement to Prosecute Soeharto (Gemas) protested outside the Ministry of Culture in Jakarta on Thursday, November 6, arguing that the honor undermines the meaning of heroism in Indonesia.
Gemas representative Axel Primayoga said Soeharto’s record of human rights violations and corruption made him unfit for the title.
“Soeharto’s track record disqualifies him from being called a national hero,” Axel said.
Philosopher and Catholic priest Franz Magnis-Suseno, also known as Father Magnis, voiced similar objections. Speaking at a public discussion titled Rejecting Soeharto’s National Hero Title at the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) in Jakarta on Tuesday, November 4, he said Soeharto’s legacy of corruption and abuse of power was incompatible with the values of national heroism.
“Soeharto committed massive corruption. He enriched himself, his family, and his close associates. That is not the act of a national hero,” Father Magnis said.
He also cited Soeharto’s responsibility for the 1965–1966 mass killings, which claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. “A true national hero does not commit ethical violations, let alone crimes,” he said.
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