By: Ari Setiadi
The government’s decision to confer the title of National Hero to Indonesia’s 2nd President, Soeharto, has been met with widespread appreciation from various circles. This policy is regarded as a wise and historic step in honoring a leader who devoted himself fully to the nation and the state. The designation also symbolizes recognition of Soeharto’s long struggle in maintaining national stability and laying the foundations for modern Indonesia’s development.
The government’s move reflects a spirit of continuity in respecting national figures who played crucial roles during periods of transition and nation-building. Through the Minister of State Secretariat, Prasetyo Hadi, the government emphasized that this award serves as official recognition of Soeharto’s significant contributions—not only in the past but also as inspiration for the nation’s future development. The honor is described not merely as a historical symbol but as a profound tribute to a figure who dedicated his life to Indonesia’s progress.
Soeharto is known for leading Indonesia for over three decades with carefully planned and systematic development policies. During his tenure, political and economic stability were prioritized to strengthen the national foundation.
The government assessed that Soeharto’s dedication extended beyond economic achievements to fostering nationalism and reinforcing the nation’s independence. He is credited with bringing Indonesia into an era of rapid growth through programs such as the Five-Year Development Plan (Repelita) and the Broad Guidelines of State Policy (GBHN), which became benchmarks for national development during the New Order era.
Bahlil Lahadalia, Chairman of the Golkar Party, also expressed his views on the government’s decision. He considered Soeharto highly deserving of the National Hero title due to the enormous contributions he made during 32 years of leadership. As one of Golkar’s founders, Soeharto played a key role in preserving the nation’s ideology and countering the influence of communism, which had once threatened the country’s sovereignty.
Bahlil highlighted several significant achievements during Soeharto’s administration, such as attaining food self-sufficiency, controlling inflation, and expanding employment opportunities. He also emphasized that by the end of Soeharto’s presidency, Indonesia had become one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies, earning the nickname “Asian Tiger.” These accomplishments serve as tangible evidence that Soeharto’s policies positively impacted national development.
Support for the government’s policy also came from religious leaders. KH Achmad Syamsul Askandar, or Gus Aan, a young Nahdliyin figure from East Java, viewed the government’s decision to award Soeharto as a National Hero as a sign of the nation’s maturity in understanding history comprehensively. He noted that every leader, including Soeharto, had strengths and weaknesses, but their services to the nation cannot simply be erased.
According to Gus Aan, this recognition demonstrates the country’s ability to view history objectively without being trapped in negative narratives from the past. Acknowledging Soeharto’s contributions does not negate mistakes, but rather places historical events in proper context. For the pesantren community and the wider public, this government decision is seen as a form of national reconciliation that strengthens unity and honors the struggle of past leaders.
The government regards the award as strategically meaningful in maintaining continuity of the nation’s values of struggle. By conferring this title, the government signals its commitment to appreciating the dedication of leaders who have significantly contributed to building the national foundation. Soeharto is seen as a figure who successfully upheld stability, strengthened economic independence, and fostered national confidence in facing global challenges.
The decision also serves as a reminder of the importance of assessing history fairly and proportionally. Recognizing Soeharto’s major contributions reminds Indonesia that national development cannot be achieved without courageous decision-making and steadfastness in safeguarding the people’s interests. The award symbolizes that a great nation respects its leaders while remaining mindful of historical realities.
From a policy perspective, the government emphasizes that this recognition is not intended to reopen past debates but to strengthen the spirit of nationalism for future generations. By honoring Soeharto as a National Hero, the government conveys the moral message that dedication, steadfastness, and successful nation-building deserve recognition as part of the national legacy.
Ultimately, this conferral is not only a tribute to an individual leader but also a reflection of Indonesia’s maturity in evaluating its historical journey. Through this step, the government demonstrates a strong commitment to preserving the continuity of the nation’s values and honoring those who devoted their lives to the homeland.
Author is a Contributor to the Nusa Bangsa Institute