Indonesia has posthumously named former president Suharto as a national hero, a move that has ignited sharp criticism from rights groups, academics, and civil society. The announcement was made during a National Hero Day ceremony on Monday, presided over by President Prabowo Subianto Suharto’s former son-in-law.
In a decree read by the presidential military secretary, Suharto was listed among ten new honorees added to Indonesia’s roster of national heroes, which now exceeds 200 names. The list includes prominent independence figures, women’s rights pioneers, and former presidents such as Abdurrahman Wahid, who also received the title posthumously.
Suharto, who ruled Indonesia from 1967 until his resignation in 1998, led one of Southeast Asia’s most authoritarian regimes. His three-decade rule was marked by allegations of widespread corruption, political repression, and human rights abuses, including the mass killing of suspected communists and harsh crackdowns on dissent.
The decision to honor him has drawn fierce backlash. Last week, over 500 academics, activists, and members of civil society sent an open letter to President Prabowo urging him to halt the designation, calling it a betrayal of Suharto’s victims and a distortion of Indonesia’s democratic history.
The Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (Kontras) condemned the move, calling it “immoral” and warning that it legitimizes impunity. “Suharto, as someone linked to serious human rights violations and state violence, does not deserve the title of national hero,” said Kontras coordinator Dimas Bagus Arya.
Despite the criticism, the government defended its decision. State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi stated that the recognition was meant to honor Suharto’s contributions to the nation. “It is part of how we respect our predecessors and leaders who made extraordinary contributions to Indonesia,” he said.
Suharto’s family members, including his daughter Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana and son Bambang Trihatmodjo, attended the ceremony. “Please remember what my father did his lifelong struggle for this country and its people,” Siti said following the event.
President Prabowo’s administration has already faced protests over economic inequality and elite privileges, and the move to honor Suharto is expected to deepen tensions with human rights advocates.
Other figures recognized as national heroes this year include slain labor activist Marsinah and former president Abdurrahman Wahid, both celebrated for their commitment to justice and democracy.
