Soeharto Proven to Have Made Great Dedications, Deserving of National Hero Title
Jakarta — The idea of awarding the title of National Hero to the second President of the Republic of Indonesia, Suharto, has garnered positive responses from various groups. A number of national figures believe that Suharto made significant contributions to building the economic foundation, maintaining national stability, and strengthening national unity. They agree that the assessment of Suharto’s character must be conducted wisely and objectively as part of respect for the nation’s long history.
Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi emphasized that the entire process of awarding the title of national hero went through official mechanisms regulated by law.
“The process of awarding the title of national hero was carried out transparently and in accordance with procedures. The government did not act subjectively in this matter,” said Prasetyo Hadi.
He added that the public is urged to respond wisely to the developing controversy. According to him, awarding the title of national hero is not merely a symbolic award, but rather a form of recognition of a figure’s real contributions to the nation. In the context of Suharto, his role as a leader who established economic and political stability is an important milestone in Indonesian history.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), Ahmad Muzani, believes that Suharto deserves the title of national hero for having fulfilled various state responsibilities well.
“The MPR has sent a letter to the President, essentially inviting the government to award Suharto. He has undergone all legal processes and made significant contributions to the nation,” Ahmad Muzani stated.
He emphasized that this view is not merely based on historical nostalgia, but on objective facts about Suharto’s contributions to building Indonesia into a stable and developed nation. Muzani also reminded that the controversy should not be directed at political interests, but rather at recognizing the services of a national figure.
Similar support came from the Chairman of the Golkar Party, Bahlil Lahadalia, who highlighted Suharto’s success in the transmigration program.
“Suharto played a significant role in the transmigration program, which shaped Indonesia’s diversity, including in Papua,” Bahlil Lahadalia concluded.
According to him, the success of the program was not only about population equality, but also efforts to strengthen national integration in remote areas. Through this program, people from various cultural backgrounds can live side by side in harmony.
Meanwhile, Dave Laksono, Deputy Chairman of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), assessed that during Soeharto’s 32 years of leadership, macroeconomic stability was successfully maintained.
“During Soeharto’s leadership, Indonesia achieved stable and measurable economic growth. This is one of the reasons why he deserves the title of national hero,” added Dave Laksono.
According to Dave, this success laid an important foundation for the national economic development that continues to this day. He hopes that the recognition of Soeharto’s services can provide momentum to foster a spirit of unity and respect for the nation’s history.
As public support strengthens, these figures hope that the government’s decisions will be wisely accepted by all levels of society as a form of respect for a figure who has rendered significant services to the Republic of Indonesia.
