Jakarta – Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) consider Indonesia’s 2nd President, Soeharto, worthy of receiving the title of National Hero due to his contributions to the nation.
This statement emerged during a dialogue on a national private TV station themed “A Great Nation Honors Its Leaders and Heroes” in Jakarta on Sunday (November 9, 2025).
Dr. Makroen Sanjaya, Head of the Library and Information Council of PP Muhammadiyah, said that Muhammadiyah has thoroughly studied Soeharto’s legacy as the 2nd President, assessing his character comprehensively rather than partially. After careful research, they concluded that he had made significant contributions to the nation since the revolutionary period.
“When we talk about Indonesia’s 2nd President, Mr. Soeharto, he had already contributed since 1946. History records that there was an attempted coup by leftist groups, and Mr. Harto, as a military figure, was able to handle it,” said Makroen.
“Not to mention the General Offensive on March 1 in Yogyakarta, which became a key historical episode in defending our independence. Later, during the G30S/PKI events, he was a central figure capable of resolving the issue,” he explained.
Makroen added that during Soeharto’s presidency, his achievements were internationally recognized, including reaching agricultural self-sufficiency, which was acknowledged globally and mentioned in his speech at the FAO forum.
“I agree that in treating national leaders, there is a Javanese philosophy I find elegant and worth studying: ‘mikul dhuwur, mendhem jero’ (‘carry them high, bury the faults deep’). No human is perfect. But if a nation only looks for mistakes in the past, it will never move forward. Like a rearview mirror, the past is there for learning and wisdom, but we must face ahead,” he stated.
Makroen also explained the categorization of heroes under the law: at minimum, there are two key aspects to consider. First is the willingness to sacrifice for the nation, society, life, and humanity. Second is achieving accomplishments that serve as role models, leaving a trace and recognition both regionally and internationally.
“In today’s era, the younger generation must not forget history. Studying history also helps create new history: sacrifice, achievement, and excellence must continue to be promoted, albeit in different forms,” he concluded.
“From the 40 proposed names for heroes, all are worthy, but they cannot all become heroes at once—maybe in future stages. Returning to the criteria of heroism, especially for the younger generation, heroism requires courage, readiness to sacrifice for the people, the nation, and the state. Second, achieving measurable accomplishments with clear outcomes. A person can only be considered a hero if their achievements positively impact society. Indonesia’s 2nd President Soeharto has fulfilled all these and is deserving of the National Hero title,” he said.
Similarly, NU figure and MUI Deputy Secretary-General KH Arif Fahrudin shared the same view. According to him, heroes are generally those who have made significant contributions to the nation and are willing to sacrifice everything for a shared goal: building the country. The key aspects are contribution and willingness to sacrifice.
“President Soeharto already exemplifies a hero. His contributions began even before independence during the revolutionary period, through the independence struggle, during the transition, and as a military leader up to his presidency,” he said.
“All founders of this country were heroes and fighters for the nation. During the independence period, Soeharto also played an important role.
“The 2045 Golden Indonesia goal is both a target and a hope. Hope must be accompanied by logical and scientific measures. In Islam, it is mentioned that every century sees the rise of figures or renewal movements. Counting from independence toward the 100-year milestone, we can appreciate all generations, especially millennials, Gen Z, and Alpha,” he added.
“The contributions of proposed National Heroes, including Indonesia’s 2nd President, illustrate the Islamic principle that every era has its figures. What is good should be carefully studied and preserved as a legacy for the next generation,” he concluded.