Jakarta – The Indonesian government has declared that the awarding of the title of National Hero to the late General HM Soeharto is a form of state recognition for his significant contributions to national development. This decision was made through Presidential Decree No. 116/TK/2025 dated November 6, 2025. The award was made during a state ceremony at the State Palace in Jakarta on November 10, 2025, coinciding with the commemoration of Heroes’ Day.
During the awarding ceremony for the title of hero, the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, presented certificates and honorary medals to the heirs of national hero figures. The names of those awarded covered various fields of struggle. Among them were the late KH Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur), the late General of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), HM Soeharto, the late Marsinah, the late Prof. Dr. Mochtar Kusumaatmadja, the late Hajjah Rahmah El Yunusiyyah, the late General of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), Sarwo Edhie Wibowo, the late Sultan Muhammad Salahuddin, the late Syaikhona Muhammad Kholil, the late Tuan Rondahaim Saragih, and the late Zainal Abidin Syah.
In his remarks, President Prabowo Subianto said that the nation would take a moment to remember the spirits and services of the heroes who had given everything so that the nation could live freely and live in a prosperous world.
Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Council for Titles, Medals, and Honors, Fadli Zon, emphasized that the process for designating national heroes is carried out carefully and scientifically. He stated that all names of potential heroes have undergone multiple studies by the Research and Title Review Team at the regional and central levels.
“Everything presented meets the requirements. His struggle is clear, his background, his life story, and it has been academically and scientifically tested. His history has been thoroughly researched through several layers and stages,” said Fadli.
Golkar Party Secretary General Muhammad Sarmuji expressed his appreciation for the state’s decision to bestow the title on Indonesia’s second president, Suharto. He stated that this was a recognition of Suharto’s dedication, which began long before he took office, including his contributions to national development over more than three decades.
“Mr. Harto played a crucial role during his time as president, leading the nation’s development for more than three decades,” said Sarmuji.
The government recognizes that this award has drawn both pros and cons in society. Some civil society groups and victims of human rights violations during the New Order era have opposed the awarding of the title of hero to Soeharto. However, the government remains open to dialogue and clarification. This award is based on historical, academic, and exemplary research, not merely political symbolism.
As a form of transparency, the government will publish a summary of the study results of the Research and Degree Review Team regarding the awarded figures. Furthermore, the government supports independent research by academics or historical institutions to enrich the public’s understanding of the legacy of these national figures. These awards are expected to inspire the younger generation to continue contributing to national unity, development, and progress.
The government also invites all citizens to interpret the awarding of the title of national hero as a state tribute to the services of the nation’s best sons and daughters, as well as a momentum to strengthen unity and collective responsibility in protecting and developing Indonesia.