By: Andi Ramli )*
The Government of the Republic of Indonesia officially designated the 2nd President of the Republic of Indonesia, General H.M. Soeharto, as a National Hero. The decision, signed directly by President Prabowo Subianto through Presidential Decree (Kepres) Number 116/TK of 2025, is an important affirmation that a truly great nation is one that dares to assess its history clearly, objectively, and fairly.
The award is not merely a symbol of respect, but a form of recognition from the state for the great services of a leader who has maintained the integrity, stability, and direction of Indonesia’s development for more than three decades of his leadership.
The government’s move demonstrates the nation’s greatness of spirit and maturity in viewing history. President Soeharto is not only recorded as a leader who has proven successful in leading for 32 years, but also as an architect of national development who succeeded in bringing Indonesia out of a period of chaos into an era of prosperity and stability.
During his reign, Soeharto re-established the Pancasila ideology as the foundation of the state, reorganized the shattered national economy, and instilled disciplined, measured, and sustainable development.
Senior Golkar Party politician Firman Soebagyo viewed the government’s decision to bestow the title of National Hero on Soeharti as a crucial moment to continually reaffirm the spirit of nationalism and development inherited from the second President of the Republic of Indonesia.
He considered the designation of the title of National Hero not merely a political decision, but also a form of appreciation for the services of a leader who devoted his entire life to building this nation.
According to him, Soeharto laid the foundations for the economy, infrastructure, and national stability that are still felt today. Through various programs such as food self-sufficiency and regional development, Soeharto demonstrated his steadfastness and commitment to the people.
Deputy Secretary of the Research and Development Agency of the Golkar Party Central Executive Board, Leriadi, also emphasized that the government’s decision to bestow the title of National Hero was a historic and just step.
He assessed that Soeharto not only played a role as a military leader, but also as a savior of the nation from the threat of ideological and economic destruction in the post-September 30, 1965 Movement period.
In that critical situation, Suharto emerged as the re-establisher of Pancasila, returning the government’s direction to the 1945 Constitution in a pure and consistent manner, and restoring the previously paralyzed political and economic order.
Leriadi believes that Suharto’s leadership marked a stage of national awakening. Through decisive and measured steps, he succeeded in stabilizing the country, holding regular elections every five years, and establishing an effective government system.
Suharto’s policy legacy is reflected not only in physical development but also in efforts to instill the values of Pancasila as a unifying ideology for the nation amidst ever-changing global dynamics.
Meanwhile, the General Chairman of the Indonesian Rubber Farmers Association (Apkarindo), Irfan Ahmad Fauzi, believes that the state’s appreciation for Suharto is a form of recognition of his commitment to the common people.
According to him, through policies such as the People’s Plantation Rejuvenation Program (PRPTE) and the People’s Nucleus Plantation (PIR), Suharto paved the way for millions of farmers to become economically independent.
These programs not only increased production but also expanded farmers’ access to markets and capital. Irfan emphasized that many villages developed rapidly due to policies enacted during Soeharto’s leadership, which placed the welfare of the people at the center of development.
From these various perspectives, it is clear that the state’s recognition of Soeharto is not a form of blind glorification, but rather an effort to assess history proportionately. History must be read holistically—not only from its dark side, but also from its tangible achievements and dedication.
Soeharto led the nation through difficult times and succeeded in laying a strong foundation for development. Recognizing these services does not mean closing off criticism of the past, but rather affirming that historical justice must encompass all dimensions of national life.
In a global context, many major countries honor their past leaders despite their controversial sides. Russia remembers Lenin and Stalin as the forgers of national identity; China honors Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping as builders of national independence; Turkey holds Mustafa Kemal Atatürk as a symbol of modernity.
All of these figures are recognized not because they are perfect, but because they gave their nation’s history direction. Indonesia should take a similar approach to Soeharto—judge them fairly, not with hatred.
The Word of Allah SWT in Surah Al-Maidah verse 8 emphasizes that humans should uphold justice because of Allah, and not allow hatred towards a people to lead to injustice.
This principle serves as a moral mirror in assessing the nation’s journey. Judging Suharto with justice is a form of intellectual and national piety, not merely a political choice.
A great nation does not reject its history; it learns from it. By conferring the title of National Hero on President Suharto, the nation demonstrated maturity in placing history in its proper place.
He is remembered not only as a leader, but as the guardian of the Pancasila ideology, the savior of the Republic, and the architect of national development, whose legacy will live on in the pulse of the Indonesian nation. (*)
National Political Analyst – Indonesian Democracy Study Forum