Jakarta — The commemoration of Heroes’ Day serves as a moment for Indonesia to honor those who sacrificed for independence and to reflect on the contributions of key national figures, including Indonesia’s second president, General H.M. Soeharto.
Dr. Makroen Sanjaya, Head of the Council for Libraries and Information at PP Muhammadiyah, emphasized that evaluating national leaders, including Soeharto, must be done comprehensively, not selectively. According to him, Soeharto’s record shows significant contributions from the revolutionary era through the nation’s development period.
“After careful study, since the revolutionary era, he has made the greatest contributions to the nation,” Makroen said during a dialogue on a private TV station in Jakarta on Sunday (9/11).
Makroen highlighted Soeharto’s key role starting in 1946, when he successfully addressed the threat of a leftist coup.
“Not to mention the March 1 General Offensive in Yogyakarta, which became a historic episode in defending independence,” he added.
He also noted that Soeharto’s achievements on the global stage are undeniable. During his presidency, Indonesia’s accomplishments, such as achieving food self-sufficiency, received international recognition.
“When we reached food self-sufficiency and were recognized globally, he even delivered a speech at the FAO forum,” Makroen explained.
Similarly, KH Arif Fahrudin, Deputy Secretary General of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and a Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) figure, agreed that Soeharto’s contributions began even before the revolution for independence.
“Pak Harto’s contributions started before independence, continued during the revolution, the transitional period, and through his leadership in ABRI until he became President. His service spans pre-independence, independence, and the presidential era,” Arif stated.
He further drew a parallel between Soeharto and Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur), Indonesia’s fourth president, noting that although their contributions differed, both shared a commitment to national service.
“These two figures—Soeharto and Gus Dur—represent different situations, but within the same frame: they are both nation builders, heroes, and defenders of the country,” he said.
Heroes’ Day underscores the importance of appreciating the service of national figures. The support of religious leaders for granting Soeharto the title of National Hero reflects a spirit of unity and historical justice, reinforcing Indonesia’s national identity.