JAKARTA — The government officially designated the 2nd President of the Republic of Indonesia, Soeharto, as a National Hero through Presidential Decree Number 116/TK/2025, Heroes’ Day, November 10, 2025.
This decision sparked a positive response from various groups who considered that the award was very appropriate and fair.
It is not without reason that the public believes that awarding the title of national hero to Soeharto is appropriate and just because it is based on his long-term contribution to national development and the stability of the country.
A number of large organizations such as Golkar, NU, and Muhammadiyah gave their support openly.
They emphasized that the track record of development during the New Order, including various achievements such as food self-sufficiency, industrialization, and infrastructure strengthening, provided a strong basis for the eligibility for the title.
The removal of Soeharto’s name from MPR Decree Number XI/1998 by the MPR for the 2019–2024 period is also seen as removing a legal obstacle to the establishment of the title.
Citra Institute Director Yusak Farhan believes that if there are still parties who reject the title of hero, then they are acting unfairly because they are ignoring Soeharto’s major contribution to development.
“Making Suharto a national hero doesn’t mean eliminating our critical thinking regarding Suharto’s leadership. I think we have to be fair and proportional,” Yusak said.
He added that the economic foundation built through Repelita was tangible evidence of Soeharto’s long service.
Yusak also emphasized the importance of national maturity in responding to history.
“If we continue to fight and harbor resentment over the past, how long will our nation ever mature? We must be able to fairly present history,” he said.
He then emphasized that the proposal for the title had gone through a long process since the era of President SBY.
Academic support also strengthens the belief that the title is worthy of being awarded.
Academic from Dwijendra University Bali, Ni Made Adi Novayanti, stated that objectively, Soeharto had done many services.
“If we look at it from an objective perspective, Mr Soeharto led for decades, so we also have to look at what he has built. So, he also has the right to be given this title,” he said.
A similar view came from academic I Gede Nandya Oktora of Udayana University Bali, that the Indonesian nation should not forget its history and the services of its leaders.
“What is clear is that we must not forget his history and services,” he said in emphasizing Suharto’s development legacy which was considered significant for the nation. (*)