Official! Soeharto Granted the Title of National Hero, Government Affirms the Process Followed Regulations
Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto has officially bestowed the title of National Hero upon Indonesia’s second president, Soeharto, during the National Hero Title Conferment Ceremony held at the State Palace, Central Jakarta, on Monday (November 10).
During the ceremony, Presidential Military Secretary Wahyu Yudhayana read out the list of honorees based on Presidential Decree (Keppres) No. 116/TK/2025 concerning the Conferment of the Title of National Hero.
Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi explained the government’s reasoning behind granting the title. He emphasized that President Prabowo’s decision was a form of respect for the nation’s leaders who had made significant contributions.
“Once again, as we stated previously, this is part of how we honor our predecessors—especially our national leaders—who, despite everything, have undoubtedly rendered extraordinary service to the nation and the state,” Prasetyo said.
According to him, the names of the honorees were determined after an extensive deliberation process, which also involved input from Parliament and various national figures.
The decision has received appreciation from many quarters. Chairman of the Central Board of Nahdlatul Wathan (PBNW), Dr. TGKH. Muhammad Zainuddin Atsani, stated that Soeharto deserved the honor for his role in defending Indonesia’s sovereignty and developing the nation.
“Soeharto is known for his role in the March 1, 1949 General Offensive in Yogyakarta, which was crucial in defending Indonesia’s sovereignty from the Dutch,” he said in Mataram.
He added that Soeharto rightly earned the title Father of National Development, as Indonesia experienced significant industrialization and economic growth under his leadership. “That title was even officially bestowed by the MPR (People’s Consultative Assembly) in 1982,” Atsani noted.
Meanwhile, Executive Director of the ToBe Institute, Mochamad Imamudinussalam, explained that the process of granting the National Hero title had gone through a strict and transparent mechanism.
“The proposal to make Soeharto a National Hero has been submitted several times—in 2008, 2010, 2015, and 2016. Most members of Parliament and national figures agreed with it. So, what else is there to question?” he said.
He stressed that allegations of political motives behind the decision were baseless, as every stage had undergone official verification by the Title Council and the Ministry of Social Affairs. (*)
