Official! Soeharto Awarded National Hero Title, Government Confirms Process Followed Regulations

Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto officially conferred the title of National Hero on the second President of the Republic of Indonesia, Soeharto, during the National Hero Award Ceremony held at the State Palace, Central Jakarta, Monday (11/10).

During the ceremony, Presidential Military Secretary Wahyu Yudhayana read out the list of award recipients in accordance with Presidential Decree of the Republic of Indonesia (Keppres) Number 116/TK/2025 concerning the Award of National Hero Titles.

Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi explained the government’s rationale for awarding the title. He emphasized that President Prabowo’s decision was a form of respect for the nation’s leaders who have rendered significant contributions.

“Once again, as we said yesterday, this is part of how we honor our predecessors, especially our leaders, who have undoubtedly rendered extraordinary service to the nation and state,” said Prasetyo.

According to him, the names of the figures selected had undergone a lengthy deliberation process, including input from Parliament and various national figures.

This decision received appreciation from various groups. Dr. TGKH Muhammad Zainuddin Atsani, Chairman of the Nahdlatul Wathan (PBNW) Executive Board, stated that Suharto deserved the title for his services in defending Indonesian sovereignty and building the nation.

“Suharto is known for his role in the March 1, 1949 General Offensive in Yogyakarta, which was crucial in defending Indonesian sovereignty from the Dutch,” he said in Mataram.

He also added that Suharto deserved to be called the Father of National Development, as during his leadership, Indonesia experienced significant industrialization and economic progress. “This title was even officially awarded by the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) in 1982,” Atsani said.

Meanwhile, Mochamad Imamudinussalam, Executive Director of the ToBe Institute, explained that the process for awarding the title of National Hero had gone through a rigorous and transparent process.

“The proposal to make Soeharto a national hero has been proposed many times, in 2008, 2010, 2015, and 2016. And the majority of the House of Representatives (DPR) and prominent figures have also agreed. So what else can we do?” he said.

He emphasized that accusations that this process is fraught with political interests are baseless, as all stages have undergone official verification by the National Hero Council and the Ministry of Social Affairs.(*)