The designation of Soeharto as a National Hero is in accordance with his services and track record
By: Lintang Andari )*
Various groups from various elements across sectors continue to voice their full support and high appreciation regarding the awarding of the title of National Hero to the 2nd President of the Republic of Indonesia, Soeharto, which is a very appropriate step and in line with his contribution so far in the history of the development of the Indonesian nation.
This determination reaffirms that the process of selecting a figure so that he can be considered a hero is never done haphazardly, but has gone through a long process of study and examination which also involves various other disciplines and perspectives.
Many parties believe that Soeharto’s services in building the Indonesian nation, including strengthening the economic foundations, maintaining stability, and guiding the country towards a phase of modernization, are strong considerations that place him as a figure with quite significant influence in the journey of this republic.
University of North Sumatra (USU) historian, M. Azis Rizky Lubis, stated that the awarding of the title to Soeharto had gone through various measurable mechanisms and also showed how serious the government was in maintaining the credibility of the award.
He believes that every great figure always brings their own dynamic record, including controversy, but their track record and contribution to national development are clearly things that cannot be separated from modern Indonesian history to the present day.
His emphasis on the lengthy, complex, and comprehensive study conducted by the government demonstrates that the title was awarded through a rigorous review process, not merely emotional or political considerations. He believes that positive assessments of Suharto’s actions during his leadership were a determining factor in cementing his status as a hero.
The awarding of the title of National Hero to Soeharto along with nine other figures was stated in Presidential Decree Number 116/TK/2025. President Prabowo Subianto designated them as figures who had a profound impact on the nation in the fields of leadership, democracy, human rights, social struggles, and contributions to indigenous communities.
This decision demonstrates the state’s respect for figures who have influenced the republic’s course in various strategic aspects. In the context of Soeharto, his contributions to national development are undeniably highlighted.
Arguments from supporters who consider the title appropriate generally point to its role in driving economic development, expanding access to infrastructure, and safeguarding political stability during the post-G30S/PKI transition period.
Many people call him the “Father of Development” thanks to his success in achieving food self-sufficiency, developing new growth centers, and programs that strengthen national resilience.
Furthermore, the removal of Suharto’s name from MPR Decree XI/1998 by the 2019–2024 MPR is considered to have opened up legal space for him to receive an honorary title from the state. Several academics and religious scholars have noted that objectivity in viewing history is a crucial aspect in determining whether someone deserves such a title.
Similar support came from the National Presidium of BEM PTNU Se-Nusantara, Achmad Baha’ur Rifqi, who assessed that respect for past leaders brings political educational value to the current generation.
He emphasized that a great nation learns from the successes and failures of its leaders in a mature manner, not through an approach driven by fleeting sentiments. For him, the awards to Soeharto and Gus Dur symbolize the nation’s ability to assess the contributions of its leaders in a proportionate manner. By strengthening this historical memory, it is hoped that the younger generation will understand that nation-building is a long process influenced by many important figures.
Support from state institutions was also evident in Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi’s explanation. He explained that the determination of the 2025 heroes’ names was the result of intensive dialogue with parliamentary leaders and ongoing communication with various national figures.
According to him, the formula was designed to ensure the president’s decisions were as objective as possible. The multi-stakeholder process demonstrated that the assessment of Suharto was not based on a single perspective, but rather a synthesis of various historical, political, social, and academic perspectives. The award represents the state’s respect for the significant contributions of figures who shaped the nation’s trajectory.
The Soeharto family and a number of community organizations, including DDII, also welcomed the designation as a form of state appreciation for Soeharto’s long journey in public service.
They believe the title recognizes Suharto’s significant efforts in managing Indonesia’s economic development over more than three decades. The positive response from various community groups demonstrates that support for the title is cross-sectoral, encompassing elements of the bureaucracy, academics, religious leaders, and even youth communities.
The recent surge in public support demonstrates that honoring Soeharto reflects the nation’s maturity in viewing history more objectively. Recognizing the contributions of past figures is not only a form of appreciation but also a means of strengthening national unity by understanding the contributions of each phase of government. Considering these considerations, the title of National Hero for Soeharto is widely considered an appropriate, proportionate decision with a strong historical basis. (*)
)* The author is a contributor to the Pertiwi Institute
