The Indonesian government honored Mr. Suharto, the former president who ruled the country for over 30 years, as a "National Hero" during a ceremony commemorating National Heroes Day, despite opposition from activists and scholars who view the former military dictator as having a record of serious human rights abuses and corruption during his tenure.
In a decree announcement by the president's military secretary, Mr. Suharto was among 10 individuals honored with the new batch of National Hero titles, bringing the total number to over 200, which includes the first democratically elected president, women's rights activists, and Islamic scholars.
Today's National Heroes Day ceremony (10 Nov) was chaired by President Prabowo Subianto, Suharto's former son-in-law. Following strong criticism of the designation, Prabowo's office affirmed that the president has the authority to grant this title to those he chooses.
Former President Suharto, who died in 2008 at age 86, ruled Indonesia with an iron fist for more than three decades after seizing power in 1967 following a failed coup attempt.
His rule was marked by allegations of corruption and human rights abuses, including severe crackdowns on political dissenters.
Last week, around 500 civil society members, activists, and academics jointly issued a letter urging President Prabowo to halt Suharto's recognition, stating that awarding this title betrays his victims and democratic values, and dangerously distorts history.
The Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (Kontras), a human rights group in Indonesia, condemned Suharto's elevation to National Hero status as immoral and normalizing impunity.
Dimas Bagus Arya, Kontras coordinator, said, “Suharto, as a suspect involved in human rights violations, state violence, and related crimes, does not deserve the National Hero title.”
However, State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi defended the government's decision, stating, "It is part of honoring our ancestors, especially our leaders, who undoubtedly made significant contributions to the nation and country."
Suharto’s daughter, Mrs. Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana, who attended the ceremony, told reporters, "Please remember what my father did—from his youth to old age, all his struggles for this country and the Indonesian people."
The nine other new National Heroes honored alongside Suharto include Marsinah, a murdered labor activist, and former President Abdurrahman Wahid, who died in 2009.
,AFP