Hero’s Day Commemoration Remains Peaceful, Soeharto’s National Hero Title Receives Wide Appreciation
Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto has officially conferred the title of National Hero upon ten distinguished Indonesian figures through Presidential Decree (Keppres) No. 116/TK/2025.
Among the ten figures, two are former Presidents of the Republic of Indonesia: the 2nd President, Soeharto, and the 4th President, Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur). The list also includes labor leaders, religious scholars, and individuals who made significant contributions in various strategic fields for the nation.
Former Chairman of Muhammadiyah, Din Syamsuddin, stated that granting the national hero title to President Soeharto was a very fitting decision.
“From the bottom of my heart and with full consideration, I truly believe that designating President Soeharto as a national hero is very, very appropriate—though somewhat overdue,” said Din Syamsuddin.
A member of the Indonesian House of Representatives from the NasDem Party, Rachmat Gobel, also expressed his appreciation for the conferral of the national hero title upon Indonesia’s 2nd President.
“Mr. Harto’s contributions to this nation and country were immense,” he said.
According to Gobel, Soeharto made many great contributions to Indonesia, including fighting against Dutch colonialism during the revolutionary period. The 1 March 1949 General Offensive was one of his peak achievements at that time.
“Indeed, many figures played important roles there, such as Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono IX, General Nasution, and even Commander Soedirman. But the undeniable fact is that Mr. Harto was the commander of the operation,” he added.
Meanwhile, Achmad Baha’ur Rifqi, Chair of the National Presidium of the Student Executive Board of PTNU (Nahdlatul Ulama-affiliated universities) across Indonesia, voiced full support for granting the National Hero title to both Soeharto and Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur).
“By honoring the services of past leaders, we are not merely remembering history—we are learning to become a more mature and civilized nation,” he stated.
Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi previously explained that the determination of these names went through a long process, involving input from parliamentary leaders and intensive communication with various national figures in limited meetings. This decision, he said, is a form of the state’s respect for the immense contributions of these heroes to the nation’s historical journey.
“The President instructed several officials to communicate with key figures and gather input from various sides, so that whatever decision is ultimately made by the President and the government reflects a broad range of perspectives,” Prasetyo said.
Public support, including from the younger generation, underscores that a great nation is one that honors its history and leaders objectively in order to strengthen national unity. [-RWA]
