Muhammadiyah and NU Leaders: Soeharto Deserves National Hero Title, His Example Must Inspire Youth
Jakarta — Support for awarding National Hero status to Indonesia’s second president, General H.M. Soeharto, continues to grow.
During a dialogue titled “A Great Nation Honors the Service of Its Leaders and Heroes” broadcast on Kompas TV, leaders from Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) agreed that Soeharto’s significant contributions to the nation should be remembered and serve as a role model for Indonesia’s youth.
Dr. Makroen Sanjaya, Head of the Council for Libraries and Information at PP Muhammadiyah, stated that evaluating Soeharto cannot be done partially.
“Muhammadiyah has studied his leadership as the second President. We assess him comprehensively, not piece by piece. Since the revolutionary era, he has made major contributions to the nation,” Makroen said.
He noted Soeharto’s key roles in various historical phases, from suppressing a leftist coup in 1946 to leading the March 1 General Offensive in Yogyakarta.
“At that time, Pak Harto emerged as a figure who could safeguard national unity. The March 1 General Offensive is proof of his strategic role in defending independence,” he added.
Makroen also highlighted Soeharto’s achievements in national development, which brought international recognition to Indonesia.
“He led the nation to food self-sufficiency and gained international recognition, even speaking at the FAO forum as acknowledgment of Indonesia’s progress,” Makroen explained.
He stressed that a great nation is one that honors its leaders.
“In Javanese philosophy, there’s a saying: mikul ndhuwur, mendem njero. No human is perfect, but if we only dwell on past mistakes, the nation will not progress. History is a mirror for learning, but our direction must remain forward,” Makroen said.
He emphasized that the spirit of sacrifice and exemplary leadership embodied by Soeharto should inspire today’s youth.
“If young people today do not reflect these two values—courage to sacrifice and achieving real accomplishments—then the dream of a Golden Indonesia 2045 may be difficult to achieve,” he stated.
Similarly, KH Arif Fahrudin, Deputy Secretary General of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and NU figure, noted that heroism rests on two principles: service and sacrifice.
“Heroes are those who contribute to the nation and willingly sacrifice whatever they have for the common good,” he said.
According to Arif, Soeharto fulfills these criteria, having fought from the revolutionary era to his presidency, bringing national stability.
“He fought from pre-independence, through the transitional period, and led Indonesia. He consistently preserved national unity and laid the foundations for national progress,” he explained.
He also emphasized the importance of gratitude and honoring the contributions of national leaders.
“If we do not appreciate the efforts of our predecessors, we fail to be grateful for the blessing of independence. In Islam, it is said that those who are grateful will receive more blessings, but those who are not will face trials,” Arif said.
Arif concluded that the younger generation must emulate the struggles of national figures as inspiration to build a more advanced Indonesia.
