By: Dhita Karuniawati )*
Discussions about awarding the title of National Hero to Indonesia’s second president, Suharto, have resonated in the public sphere. Support from various elements of society, including figures from various professions, academics, and even a number of community organizations demonstrates that Suharto retains a special place in the nation’s history. Despite ongoing controversy, it is undeniable that the majority of the public views Suharto as a figure who made significant contributions to Indonesia’s development. In this context, conferring the title of National Hero is considered the highest form of state honor for a figure who played a significant role for more than three decades.
Suharto is known as a leader who brought significant changes to the economy, infrastructure, political stability, and improved public welfare during his time. After a difficult political transition in the mid-1960s, Suharto led Indonesia out of economic crisis and hyperinflation through recovery programs involving young technocrats and international support. His success in controlling inflation, restoring price stability, and ensuring food security laid a strong foundation for long-term development.
One of Suharto’s greatest legacies was his policy of food self-sufficiency, particularly rice, a strategic commodity for the Indonesian people. Through agricultural intensification programs, large-scale irrigation, and modernization of production equipment, Indonesia made history by receiving an award from the FAO in 1984 for achieving rice self-sufficiency. This achievement was not only a technical feat but also demonstrated the country’s ability to manage its resources productively and systematically.
In the field of physical development, Suharto was known as a key driver of the creation of various national infrastructure projects that became the foundation of economic growth. Interregional highways, reservoirs, ports, bridges, and large irrigation networks were all part of the strategy to strengthen connectivity and economic resilience. During that era, development was not only concentrated in large cities but also extended to villages through Presidential Instruction programs, including schools, community health centers, housing, and other basic facilities. Many generations have directly benefited from this equitable development policy.
In the social sector, Suharto’s role was evident in the strengthening of community institutions and community organizations. The family planning program became one example of a major success that earned Indonesia international praise. Through a massive campaign that reached the lowest levels of society, Indonesia succeeded in significantly reducing the birth rate and alleviating the demographic burden. This program became a major milestone in long-term development, the impact of which is still felt today.
Furthermore, the relatively maintained security and political stability during his administration provided space for rapid economic growth. The business world enjoyed a conducive climate, allowing for significant investment growth. Years of stable economic growth resulted in social transformation, the birth of a new middle class, and the opening of opportunities for the public to enjoy better healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.
Former Vice President Jusuf Kalla (JK) emphasized that Suharto deserved the title of National Hero. Suharto’s significant contributions to national development cannot be overlooked. Suharto’s 32-year leadership ushered in an era of significant economic development and political stability that supported national progress. He urged the public to judge Suharto objectively, based on his contributions, not solely on the controversies of his past.
Support for the government’s decision to award Suharto the title of National Hero also came from the Chairman of the Indonesian National Youth Committee (KNPI), Haris Pertama. According to Haris, Suharto was a great figure who contributed significantly to the nation’s progress. President Prabowo’s decision was very appropriate and demonstrated respect for Suharto’s significant contributions.
Meanwhile, Indonesian House of Representatives member Hj Karmila Sari stated that Suharto’s leadership successfully led Indonesia to a period of stability and independence. Many important infrastructure projects, such as reservoirs, dams, and agricultural facilities built during that period, still benefit the community today.
According to Karmila, Suharto was a leader with a strong vision for the welfare of the people. Under his leadership, Indonesia achieved rice self-sufficiency in 1984 and maintained economic growth of 7 percent. Suharto also placed great emphasis on fostering the nation’s ideology. Through the Guidelines for Understanding and Practicing Pancasila (P4) program, nationalist values were strengthened among the public and state apparatus.
Conferring the title of National Hero to Suharto does not disregard a still-contested historical record, but rather represents an objective assessment of his profound impact on the foundations of modern Indonesia’s development. The decision honors a legacy of development that has shaped Indonesia into a stronger, more stable nation, and better prepared to face global challenges. The title is not merely symbolic, but a recognition of his contributions to the nation’s long-standing development process.
Suharto was a great figure whose contributions cannot be denied. Awarding him the title of National Hero is part of the nation’s effort to honor the contributions of past leaders, while maintaining critical awareness so that history can serve as an honest mirror for future generations. Indonesia has grown through the footsteps of its founders and leaders, and the highest honor from the state is a way to ensure that those footsteps remain remembered in the nation’s journey.
*) The author is a contributor to the Indonesian Strategic Information Study Institute