ASEANEWS HEADLINE-POLITICS | INDONESIA: Opposition grows over national hero title for Soeharto

Activists of the Thursdays (kamisan) silent protest stand with banners reading ‘Reject the Hero Title for Suharto’ as they protest to demand justice for activists who were killed in the 1998 Semanggi tragedy in front of the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on July 3, 2025. In the late 1990s, deadly riots preceded Indonesian dictator Suharto’s fall, but the government says the racialy-motivated bloodbaths that mostly targeted ethnically Chinese Indonesians will be skipped in a forthcoming revision of its official history books, slated to be launched in December. (AFP/Bay Ismoyo)

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Indonesian Activists Fight Against Naming Suharto a National Hero | UCA News Explained

Indonesian human rights activists are strongly opposing the government’s move to include former dictator Suharto in the list of national hero nominees. This video delves into the reasons behind the backlash, exploring Suharto’s controversial legacy of corruption, mass rights violations, and arbitrary killings during his 31-year rule. We’ll discuss the implications of this decision, the role of President Prabowo Subianto (Suharto’s son-in-law), and the reaction from organizations like Amnesty International. Stay informed about this crucial development in Indonesian politics and history.

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Awarding the national hero title for former president Soeharto, who was known for his 32 years of authoritarian rule, will betray the spirit of the reform movement of 1998 and the fight for justice for many victims of his crimes, activists have asserted.

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D enouncements are mounting over the controversial proposal to grant national hero status to former president Soeharto, notoriously known for leading an authoritarian regime rife with corruption and human rights violations, as President Prabowo Subianto Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo, 72, is a retired Army lieutenant general, a businessman and the incumbent Defense Minister (2019-present).

Due to his proximity to power throughout his military career, he entered politics in 2004 to pursue his dream of becoming the nation’s president. begins to review nominations for this year’s awards.

The government is considering naming Soeharto a national hero, with the Social Affairs Ministry, which drafted the list of nominees for the national hero title, putting the late president’s name in the shortlist of 40 names.

The ministry claimed the move stemmed from public aspirations.

The shortlist is now under review by President Prabowo, former son-in-law of the late former president, according to State Secretary and presidential spokesperson Prasetyo Hadi.

 

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“We have officially received the list of nominees from the Social Affairs Ministry, based on the recommendations from the board of decorations and honorary titles.

The President is now studying the names,” Prasetyo told reporters on Thursday.

He added Prabowo, who holds full discretion in deciding the honorees, will carefully weigh all shortlisted nominees and announce the recipients during the commemoration of National Heroes Day on Nov. 10.

Prasetyo also noted that there is “no set limit on how many people” may be awarded the national hero status.

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This article was published in thejakartapost.com with the title “”. Click to read: https://www.thejakartapost.com/indonesia/2025/11/03/opposition-grows-over-national-hero-title-for-soeharto.html.

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Yerica Lai and Adi Marsiela
The Jakarta Post) PREMIUM

Jakarta/Dili Mon,
November 3, 2025