By: Fajar Dwi Santoso )*
The government officially awarded the title of National Hero to the 2nd President of the Republic of Indonesia, General H.M. Soeharto, on Heroes’ Day on November 10, 2025, at the State Palace, Jakarta.
The award was a significant decision that affirmed the state’s appreciation for the services of a figure who had contributed greatly to maintaining the nation’s integrity and building the foundation of the national economy.
However, amidst widespread public support for the decision, provocative calls for demonstrations also emerged. This situation demands public policy to maintain conducive conditions and reject all forms of provocation that have the potential to disrupt national stability.
The government emphasized that the award of the title of National Hero to Soeharto was given solely on the basis of his services and devotion to the nation, not as a glorification of his entire reign.
Soeharto was one of ten figures to receive the title in 2025 based on Presidential Decree Number 116/TK/2025. The decision was born from a long selection process and involved an independent team that assessed the contributions of the figures to the struggle and development of Indonesia.
Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi believes that the spirit of heroism should be embodied in concrete actions to maintain social peace. He emphasized that the challenge for today’s generation is no longer physical warfare, but rather maintaining unity amidst the rapid flow of digitalization and differing views.
He believes that society needs to demonstrate maturity in responding to state decisions by refraining from provocation and expressing opinions in a polite and constructive manner. For the government, today’s heroes are those who maintain peace and strengthen the spirit of mutual cooperation in their social circles.
Regarding security, the Chief of the Indonesian National Police, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, stated that the National Police have prepared anticipatory measures to ensure the national situation remains safe and conducive.
Security forces are committed to protecting the public and guaranteeing freedom of expression within the law. However, he emphasized that the role of society remains a key factor in preventing provocations that could disrupt public order. He stated that national stability can only be maintained if all elements of the nation reject calls that have the potential to divide unity.
The government encourages all citizens to continue engaging in positive activities, community service, and social action. The award of the title of national hero is expected to provide a space for reflection on the struggle of the nation’s founders who sacrificed everything for the independence and unity of Indonesia. Maintaining security and public order is the most tangible form of respect for the value of heroism.
The designation of Soeharto as a National Hero truly reflects the maturity of Indonesian democracy. Differences of opinion regarding Soeharto’s figure are unavoidable, but the greatness of a nation lies in its ability to manage differences peacefully and civilized. A mature democracy is not measured by the intensity of protests, but by the ability of the people to respect the state’s decisions rationally and proportionally.
The government noted that proposals for Soeharto to receive the title of National Hero came from various groups—from local governments, political parties, community organizations, to religious leaders.
Support also came from the two largest Islamic organizations, Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama, which considered Soeharto to have rendered significant contributions to national development and state stability.
Dr. Makroen Sanjaya, Chairman of the Library and Information Council of Muhammadiyah Central Executive Board, considered Soeharto a pivotal figure in the nation’s history. He emphasized that Suharto played a significant role in the struggle for independence, particularly during the General Offensive of March 1, 1949, which marked the moment Indonesia’s sovereignty was recognized internationally. Furthermore, Suharto left a significant legacy of economic and social development through the Repelita (Five-Year Development Plan) policy, rice self-sufficiency, and equitable regional development.
Makroen believes that appreciating Suharto’s services does not mean closing off space for criticism of his past policies. However, an objective approach to history must be placed above political emotion. He reminded that a great nation is one capable of honoring its leaders without eliminating critical reflection on its own journey.
The awarding of the title of National Hero to Suharto serves not only as a tribute to individual service but also as a reminder to all of society of the importance of preserving the legacy of national stability and unity. Any attempt to provoke division based on differing views on the decision would actually harm the spirit of heroism itself.
Communities across all elements and sectors are expected to unite to maintain national stability. Disagreements should be expressed through constitutional channels, not through demonstrations that could disrupt public order. In this context, rejecting provocation is tantamount to continuing the struggle of the heroes who sacrificed for unity and independence.
Maintaining peace is part of that struggle itself. Amid global challenges, the Indonesian nation requires social and political stability to continue moving forward. Every citizen has a moral responsibility to foster brotherhood, strengthen the spirit of mutual cooperation, and ensure that the commemoration of Heroes’ Day is not tarnished by actions that would tear apart unity.
The awarding of the award to Soeharto should be a momentum to strengthen nationalism, not to incite division. Unity and stability are the primary foundations for Indonesia’s ability to move forward toward a stronger and more sovereign future. (*)
*) National Political Observer – Mandala Raya Political Forum
