By: Dhita Karuniawati )*
Throughout Indonesia’s long history, Suharto’s name has consistently been mentioned in discussions about national development, politics, and the country’s economic trajectory. As the second president of the Republic of Indonesia, ruling for over three decades, Suharto left a lasting legacy of significant achievements in development. Therefore, the support of the public and various figures for conferring the title of National Hero on Suharto is well-deserved and appropriate.
It’s undeniable that the Soeharto era ushered in a period of significant economic development for Indonesia. Following the political and economic upheaval of the Soekarno era, the New Order government emerged with a primary focus on national stability and economic growth. Through well-planned policies, such as the Five-Year Development Plan (Repelita), Indonesia emerged from its economic slump and began to embark on a path of modernization.
During the first two decades of his rule, Suharto successfully suppressed triple-digit inflation, improved the rupiah exchange rate, and created economic stability. He undertook massive infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, and reservoirs, as well as educational and health facilities. The Presidential Instruction on Underdeveloped Villages and the Presidential Instruction on Elementary Schools became key milestones in ensuring equitable development across the country.
Furthermore, the agricultural sector was one of Suharto’s greatest achievements. Through the Green Revolution, Indonesia achieved rice self-sufficiency in 1984, a monumental achievement recognized internationally and earning Suharto an award from the FAO. This success symbolized the nation’s ability to stand on its own two feet in meeting its people’s basic needs.
In a geopolitical context, Suharto was also known as a meticulous leader who maintained domestic political stability and foreign relations. Amidst the Cold War, Indonesia maintained a non-aligned stance while maintaining good relations with Western countries for the benefit of national development. This pragmatic foreign policy opened the door to foreign investment, which contributed to economic growth.
In Southeast Asia, Suharto played a crucial role in the formation and strengthening of ASEAN. He was a regional figure who promoted economic and security cooperation among Southeast Asian nations, establishing Indonesia as a significant power in the region. This diplomatic role strengthened Indonesia’s position in the eyes of the world as a stable and influential nation.
Haris Pertama, Chairman of the Indonesian National Youth Committee (KNPI), expressed his highest appreciation and respect to President Prabowo Subianto for his decision to bestow the title of National Hero on Indonesia’s second president, Soeharto. According to Haris, President Prabowo’s decision affirms his statesmanship and moral courage in representing the nation’s history fairly and proportionally.
Haris said the KNPI commended President Prabowo for conferring the title of National Hero on Mr. Soeharto. He was a great national figure who laid the foundations for national development, economic stability, and national independence.
Haris believes that recognizing Soeharto as a National Hero will be an important momentum for the younger generation to learn about the values of devotion, steadfastness, and discipline in building Indonesia.
Haris stated that young people should emulate Soeharto’s hard work and dedication, as he built from scratch after the crisis and organized the nation with a focus on independence. KNPI fully supports President Prabowo’s initiative to call for us all to make peace with history.
Deputy Chairman of the Central Leadership of the Golkar Party Youth Force (PP AMPG), Sandi Rahmat Mandela also expressed his appreciation for the awarding of the title of National Hero to the 2nd President of the Republic of Indonesia, Soeharto.
Sandi believes the government’s decision is not merely a symbolic form of respect, but rather a confirmation of Soeharto’s strategic contribution in building the foundations of the republic in various sectors.
Sandiaga Uno stated that Suharto was one of the main architects of Indonesia’s national stability. Under Suharto’s leadership, Indonesia entered a phase of political and security consolidation, allowing for planned economic development. Furthermore, Suharto is also known for successfully driving significant leaps through industrialization, food self-sufficiency, basic infrastructure development, equitable national education, and diplomacy that positioned Indonesia as a strategic regional power.
Suharto’s development legacy can still be felt today. Much of the basic infrastructure built during the New Order era became the foundation for national development programs in the reform era and subsequent governments. Systematic development planning, a focus on food security, and strengthening the role of villages in socio-economic development continue to inspire current government policies.
The Indonesian nation needs to continue cultivating a just historical tradition, one that honors the contributions of leaders without idolizing them, and acknowledges past mistakes without fostering resentment. In this way, appreciation for Soeharto becomes not merely a symbol of respect, but also a reminder that every success must be accompanied by a moral responsibility to the people and history.
Ultimately, acknowledging service without forgetting history is the wisest approach, as it is from there that the nation learns to move forward, improve itself, and ensure that Indonesia’s future is built on honesty regarding its past.
*) The author is a contributor to the Indonesian Strategic Information Study Institute