JAKARTA — Support for the government’s plan to grant the title of National Hero to Indonesia’s second president, H.M. Soeharto, continues to grow. The backing is not only coming from political circles but also from grassroots sectors such as rubber farmers, who still feel the benefits of Soeharto’s development legacy.
The Chairman of the Indonesian Rubber Farmers Association (Apkarindo), Irfan Ahmad Fauzi, said that Soeharto made significant contributions to building a people-centered plantation economy.
“At that time, Indonesia was recognized as one of the world’s largest natural rubber producers and remains the second-largest after Thailand. More than 80 percent of national production comes from smallholder farmers,” Irfan said.
He added that strategic programs such as the People’s Plantation Rejuvenation Program (PRPTE) and the Nucleus Estate and Smallholders Program (PIR) under Soeharto’s leadership transformed the rural economy.
“Millions of farming families gained access to superior seedlings, efficient tapping technology, production roads, and market access,” he explained.
Apkarindo’s Secretary-General Adi Purnama stated that the proposal to honor Soeharto with the National Hero title is not merely a political decision but a recognition of his enduring legacy in developing the people’s economy.
Meanwhile, Apkarindo’s Executive Chairman Arif Susanto described President Prabowo Subianto’s consideration of the title as a historic step.
“President Soeharto is the Father of Indonesia’s People’s Rubber Development. Apkarindo will firmly stand with President Prabowo in ensuring state recognition for his great contributions,” Arif affirmed.
Support has also come from Member of Parliament and public figure Nurul Arifin, who believes that Soeharto deserves the nation’s highest honor for his contribution to national development.
“He made great contributions in maintaining national stability and laying the foundations of economic development that brought Indonesia into an era of progress,” Nurul said, as quoted from the @Ikigolkar Instagram account on Thursday (November 6, 2025).
Nurul added that Soeharto left a strong legacy of leadership and national advancement.
“Soeharto made tremendous contributions to this nation. During his 31 years in office, he maintained stability, advanced economic development, and achieved rice self-sufficiency,” she added.