By: Bagas Pratama Adi
The government has officially designated Indonesia’s 2nd President, H. M. Soeharto, as a National Hero. This decision marks an important milestone in the nation’s history, symbolizing recognition of the significant contributions of a leader who laid the foundations for modern Indonesia’s economic, agricultural, and infrastructure development.
The conferment is not only a form of respect but also a symbol of national reconciliation, demonstrating the maturity of the nation in assessing history objectively and fairly.
Soeharto is not only remembered as a head of state who led for 32 years but also as a figure who played a crucial role in defending Indonesia’s sovereignty during the revolutionary period. His involvement in the March 1, 1949 General Offensive is recorded as a pivotal moment in the struggle for independence, compelling the Dutch to recognize Indonesia’s sovereignty. Against this backdrop, the state’s award now serves to reaffirm the legacy of his lifetime contributions.
Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Chairman of the Democratic Party, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), described the government’s decision as an important step toward unifying the nation’s historical narrative. He noted that honoring Soeharto and the 4th President Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur) reflects a mature society that respects its leaders’ contributions without overlooking other aspects of their legacies. According to AHY, a great nation is one that remembers its predecessors, as it is upon their foundations that the country continues to stand and develop.
AHY also saw the decision as an opportunity to strengthen national unity amid a dynamic political landscape. The spirit of reconciliation and appreciation for national figures is expected to reinforce togetherness and foster optimism for Indonesia’s future. Recognition of past leaders’ contributions demonstrates political maturity and a balanced perspective on history.
He further emphasized that every era has its own challenges and context. For example, during his tenure as the 6th President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) awarded the National Hero title to Indonesia’s 1st President, Soekarno, in 2012. Although the decision sparked debate, it was taken with a comprehensive view of the Proclaimer’s significant contributions to the Republic. Similarly, awarding Soeharto the National Hero title continues the tradition of honoring leaders who made major contributions to the nation.
From an academic perspective, Sahmin Madina of IAIN Gorontalo argued that the conferment demonstrates political maturity in reconciling with the past. He acknowledged that some groups still reject the recognition, indicating that historical wounds have not fully healed. Nevertheless, a great nation must acknowledge its past objectively—recognizing both the bright and dark sides.
Sahmin regards Soeharto as an integral part of Indonesia’s history. He believes that Soeharto’s major role in economic development, strengthening food security, and maintaining national stability cannot be erased from the nation’s records. Approaching the past with vengeance only prolongs divisions, while a reconciliatory stance strengthens national unity. He described the government’s decision as an act of magnanimous politics, akin to Gus Dur’s efforts to restore honor to figures previously considered opponents.
For Sahmin, honoring Soeharto should not be interpreted as condoning all New Order policies, but rather as an objective acknowledgment of his nation-building achievements. A mature nation does not turn a blind eye to history but recognizes contributions, corrects mistakes, and moves forward with dignity. This conferment should serve as an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s maturity in viewing history wisely and respectfully.
Meanwhile, Dadang Kahmad, Chairman of Muhammadiyah’s Department for Libraries, Informatics, and Digitalization, emphasized that Soeharto’s contributions extend beyond his presidency to the independence struggle. He highlighted Soeharto’s pivotal role in strengthening the foundations of national development across sectors such as agriculture, education, and village infrastructure.
According to Dadang, religious organizations view the award as part of national historical reconciliation. He argued that it is time for Indonesia to fairly and proportionally assess the contributions of its great figures without being trapped in past political biases. Honoring Soeharto is not merely a tribute to the past but also a legacy of values for future generations to continue nation-building with the same spirit of service.
The awarding of the National Hero title to Soeharto marks a new chapter in the nation’s journey. State recognition of his contributions symbolizes that Indonesia has reached a stage of maturity in assessing its own history. From agricultural development to economic stabilization, from revolutionary struggle to national policy planning, Soeharto’s contributions have shaped the Indonesia we know today.
Through this award, Indonesia not only remembers a past leader but affirms that nation-building contributions deserve timeless recognition.
National Political Analyst – Indonesian Democracy Study Forum