Jakarta – The government has officially conferred the title of National Hero upon former President Soeharto as a form of recognition for his service and dedication to the Indonesian nation. The decision represents the state’s effort to honor the significant contributions of past leaders who played pivotal roles in the country’s historical journey.
Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi explained that the decision went through a long and thorough process of review and deliberation by the Council for Titles, Honors, and Decorations.
“The government is granting the national hero title to former President Soeharto to honor a national figure who has shown great dedication and service to the nation. This is a form of state appreciation for his contribution to national development and resilience,” said Prasetyo in Jakarta.
According to Prasetyo, Soeharto’s legacy cannot be separated from his major role in maintaining national stability following the power transition of the 1960s and in leading Indonesia into a period of significant development. He emphasized that this recognition is not intended as glorification, but rather as an acknowledgment of historical facts and tangible contributions that strengthened the nation’s foundation.
Appreciation also came from student circles. The National Presidium of the Student Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama-Affiliated Universities (BEM PTNU) Se-Nusantara, Achmad Baha’ur Rifqi, expressed support for the government’s decision. He noted that Soeharto was a leader with a strategic role in maintaining national stability and advancing development across sectors.
“For us, this is the right decision. Soeharto was a key figure in creating political and economic stability during challenging times. Many development achievements, especially in agriculture and infrastructure, remain his tangible legacy for this nation,” said Rifqi.
He added that the younger generation should learn from Soeharto’s leadership spirit, which was focused on progress and national resilience.
Meanwhile, Mochamad Imamudinussalam, Executive Director of the ToBe Institute, stressed that Soeharto’s designation as a National Hero had followed proper mechanisms and legal procedures. He noted that Soeharto was an essential part of the republic’s history, with clear contributions to national sovereignty and public welfare.
“Soeharto’s legacy is reflected through various development programs that had a direct impact on society—from food self-sufficiency and rural infrastructure development to improving farmers’ welfare and implementing pro-people economic policies. These demonstrate his significant contributions in building Indonesia’s economic and social foundations,” Imamudinussalam explained.
He added that history cannot be separated from the figures who dedicated their lives to the nation. Therefore, recognition of Soeharto should be seen as a gesture of respect for the service and sacrifices of a leader who achieved major milestones in Indonesia’s national development.
The conferral of the National Hero title upon Soeharto serves as a moment of reflection for all elements of society to view history with a more comprehensive perspective. Regardless of past political dynamics, this recognition reaffirms that the service and dedication of a leader remain worthy of honor as part of preserving Indonesia’s spirit of unity and nationalism. (*)