JAKARTA — The government has officially designated the second President of the Republic of Indonesia, Soeharto, as a National Hero.
This then triggered a wave of widespread appreciation from various groups and elements of society.
The decision, which was stated in Presidential Decree Number 116/TK/2025, has encouraged many parties to reaffirm the importance of being able to read history more objectively.
Not only that, but we can also respect the real contributions of the nation’s previous leaders who have formed the foundation of national development.
Various elements of society, from politicians, community organizations, to religious figures, have unanimously voiced their support for this decision.
They believe that the state award reflects the nation’s maturity in placing its historical track record in a proportional perspective.
Appreciation is primarily directed at Soeharto’s contributions to economic development, political consolidation, and national stability for more than three decades.
Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives from the NasDem faction, Rachmat Gobel, emphasized that the state award has a strong basis.
He assessed that Soeharto had had a very significant development impact on the republic.
“Everyone has weaknesses and shortcomings, but Pak Harto’s contribution to this nation and country is enormous,” Gobel said in his statement.
A similar view was expressed by the Executive Director of the ToBe Institute, Mochamad Imamudinussalam.
He emphasized that the determination was made through official procedures and also reflected recognition of development achievements that were considered monumental.
“Soeharto was present through programs such as food self-sufficiency, village infrastructure development, and pro-people economic policies,” he said.
“History proves that he made a great contribution in maintaining sovereignty and building the nation,” he stressed.
He also rejected claims that the award was an attempt to whitewash history.
Imam believes that state awards do not eliminate criticism, but rather emphasize the weight of a national figure’s contribution.
“The title of hero is a recognition of the great service that has given direction to Indonesia’s journey,” he said.
“If our standard of judgment is moral perfection, then no one will be worthy of being called a hero,” he concluded.
Support also came from religious leaders. KH Achmad Syamsul Askandar, also known as Gus Aan, stated that the recognition reflected the nation’s balanced approach to reading history.
“As a mere human being, he was certainly not free from error and mistakes. President Gus Dur even once said that Soeharto rendered immense service to this nation, even though his sins were also great,” he said. (*)