Legacy of Development and a Strong Economic Foundation: Soeharto Deemed Worthy of the National Hero Title
Jakarta — Support for granting the title of National Hero to Indonesia’s second president, H.M. Soeharto, continues to grow across various sectors. Many figures believe that Soeharto was not merely a leader who governed for three decades, but a statesman who successfully laid a solid foundation for national economic development and public welfare.
Nurul Arifin, a Member of Parliament from the Golkar Party Faction, expressed her support for the government’s consideration of awarding Soeharto the title of National Hero. She stated that Soeharto’s major contributions to maintaining national stability and driving economic growth became key pillars in Indonesia’s journey toward modernization.
“He made a tremendous contribution in preserving national stability and laying the foundations of economic development that brought Indonesia into an era of progress,” said Nurul Arifin.
Nurul added that Soeharto’s 31-year leadership marked an important period in the nation’s history. Under his direction, Indonesia achieved rice self-sufficiency, built strategic infrastructure, and ushered in an era of development that transformed the country’s economic landscape.
Support also came from Irfan Ahmad Fauzi, Chairman of the Indonesian Smallholder Rubber Farmers Association (Apkarindo), who stated that Soeharto established the foundations of a people-based economy through his pro-farmer policies, particularly in the plantation sector.
“At that time, Indonesia was recognized as one of the world’s largest natural rubber producers and remains the second-largest after Thailand. More than 80 percent of national production comes from smallholder farmers,” Irfan said.
He explained that programs such as the People’s Plantation Rejuvenation Program (PRPTE) and the Nucleus Estate and Smallholders Program (PIR) transformed the rural economy.
“Millions of farming families gained access to superior seedlings, efficient tapping technology, production roads, and market access. Many regions such as Jambi, Musi Banyuasin, and West Kalimantan developed thanks to Soeharto’s pro-people policies,” he added.
Arif Susanto, Executive Chairman of Apkarindo, viewed President Prabowo Subianto’s consideration of the title as a historic decision.
“President Soeharto is the Father of Indonesia’s People’s Rubber Development. Apkarindo will firmly support President Prabowo in ensuring national recognition for his remarkable contributions,” he stated.
This growing wave of support underscores that Soeharto’s legacy of development continues to be felt to this day — tangible proof that the strong economic foundations he built remain a vital cornerstone of Indonesia’s progress.
