Jakarta – The Government of the Republic of Indonesia has finally designated the 2nd President of the Republic of Indonesia, General H.M. Soeharto, as a National Hero, through Presidential Decree Number 116/TK/2025. The decree affirms the state’s stance in honoring a leader who is considered to have rendered significant service in safeguarding ideology, strengthening stability, and building the foundations for the progress of modern Indonesia.
The designation of the title for Soeharto is seen as a form of appreciation for his long-standing contribution to the nation’s journey. Under his leadership, Indonesia entered an era of political consolidation and restructuring of the economic system that changed the face of national development. The government considers Soeharto’s track record to be one of the most important foundations for the formation of a national resilience system and the direction of long-term development.
Senior Golkar Party politician, Firman Soebagyo, expressed his high appreciation for President Prabowo Subianto’s decision. According to him, this step is not only historic, but also demonstrates the state’s courage to be fair to the journey of national history. “This is encouraging news, not only for the Golkar family, but also for the wider community. The designation of Mr. Soeharto as a National Hero reaffirms the spirit of development and nationalism as the nation’s identity,” he said.
Firman emphasized that the decision reflected the nation’s maturity in viewing history objectively and proportionally. He considered the title not merely a political decision, but rather a tribute to a leader who worked tirelessly to build Indonesia for decades.
A similar view was expressed by the Deputy Secretary of the Research and Development Agency of the Golkar Party Central Executive Board, Leriadi. He believed the state had taken the right step by formally recognizing Suharto’s services. According to him, Suharto was not only a military figure, but also a central figure who restored political and economic stability after a period of national chaos. “He was the architect of Indonesia’s revival after the political and economic crisis,” he emphasized.
Leriadi explained that Suharto’s leadership succeeded in restructuring the government and economic systems, while simultaneously returning the nation’s direction to Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution in its purest form. This, he said, is an important legacy for the nation’s sustainability to this day.
Support also came from the agricultural sector. Irfan Ahmad Fauzi, Chairman of the Indonesian Rubber Farmers Association (Apkarindo), believes that Suharto contributed significantly to the welfare of farmers. Programs such as the People’s Core Plantation (PIR), village infrastructure development, and improved market access had a tangible impact on millions of farming families. “The construction of production roads, irrigation, and distribution networks during his tenure significantly boosted the village economy,” Irfan said.
With these considerations in mind, the designation of National Hero to Suharto is seen by many as a fitting tribute. The state places Suharto’s development legacy and contributions within a holistic historical perspective—a form of appreciation for the role of a national leader whose influence remains felt today.