Awarding Soeharto National Hero Title: The State Considers Soeharto a Leader of Great Merit
By: Garvin Reviano
The awarding of the title of National Hero to Soeharto confirms that the state views his leadership and legacy as crucial to the nation’s journey. This recognition is not simply a title, but rather an honoring of a figure who, during his time, played a significant role in maintaining stability, building economic foundations, and guiding Indonesia toward modernization.
During the crisis of confidence after 1965, when the political situation was uncertain and the threat of disunity was very real, Soeharto emerged as a figure capable of stabilizing the situation and returning the wheels of government to a more orderly path. Through an approach that emphasized national security and public order, he created conditions relatively conducive to long-term development. For many, this is one of the main reasons the state considers him a leader of great merit.
Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Council for Titles, Medals, and Honors, Fadli Zon, stated that Soeharto had rendered significant contributions to the Indonesian struggle. This has also been studied by a team of experts and academics. During his presidency, Suharto contributed to poverty alleviation, economic recovery, and the reduction of inflation in Indonesia, which had risen to 600% in 1965.
Suharto’s leadership was also known for its significant acceleration of economic development. While Indonesia was still struggling to overcome a food crisis, high inflation, and inadequate infrastructure, Suharto pushed for strategic programs that later became the foundation of the national economy. The food self-sufficiency program of the 1980s is often cited as a milestone in development success that earned Indonesia international recognition. Collaborating with technocrats, he formulated economic policies focused on growth, price stability, and equitable development. Roads, dams, irrigation, village electrification, and the expansion of schools and community health centers were all part of his development agenda, the impact of which is felt to this day. It is in this context that the nation views Suharto as a leader who contributed to laying the foundation for progress for future generations.
In addition to economic development, Suharto also played a role in strengthening Indonesia’s position on the international stage. Through his independent and active foreign policy, Indonesia emerged as a nation to be reckoned with in various global forums. His role in ASEAN was evident, particularly in strengthening regional cooperation and maintaining stability in Southeast Asia during times of geopolitical tension. Under his leadership, Indonesia not only became more stable domestically but also gained confidence in international diplomacy. Suharto was known on numerous occasions as a calm, pragmatic leader who consistently upheld Indonesia’s national interests. These successes further strengthened the nation’s view that his contributions to strengthening Indonesia’s position deserved to be remembered.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Golkar Party and the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, stated that Suharto had rendered outstanding service in leading the nation for 32 years. Furthermore, Suharto was considered successful in preventing the emergence of other ideologies that could undermine the nation. During his 32 years in power, Suharto succeeded in making Indonesia self-sufficient in food and energy. Furthermore, Suharto succeeded in reducing inflation and creating numerous job opportunities.
Furthermore, in the social sector, Suharto promoted various public welfare programs with far-reaching impacts. The Presidential Instruction (Inpres) program for elementary schools, community health centers, and village improvements was a concrete step towards reducing disparities between regions. Many remote areas began to be connected to the central government through the development of basic infrastructure. Although policy implementation always presents challenges, the development direction he chose provided opportunities for communities to access basic services that were previously difficult to access. The family planning (KB) program was also one of the major achievements of his leadership, recognized internationally as a success in population control and improving the quality of life for families. For the majority of the people who experienced these changes directly, Suharto was seen as a leader who truly cared about the welfare of the people.
