PBNU and Muhammadiyah United: Soeharto’s Contributions Deserve to Be Remembered as Those of a National Hero
Jakarta — Support for awarding the title of National Hero to Indonesia’s second president, Soeharto, continues to gain strength. The nation’s two largest Islamic organizations, Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), have declared that Soeharto deserves the state’s highest honor for his significant role in Indonesia’s struggle for independence and national development.
Chairman of Muhammadiyah Central Board (PP Muhammadiyah), Muhadjir Effendy, affirmed that Muhammadiyah’s position is clear and unified in fully supporting the proposal to grant Soeharto the title of National Hero.
According to him, no one can deny Soeharto’s vital role and contributions to the Indonesian nation.
“As conveyed earlier by Mr. Dadang from PP Muhammadiyah, Muhammadiyah firmly supports the awarding of the National Hero title to Mr. Harto,” Muhadjir stated.
He explained that Soeharto made significant contributions from the independence era, including his involvement in the 1 March General Offensive and Operation Mandala.
Moreover, Soeharto played a crucial role in upholding Pancasila following the G30S/PKI incident and in laying the foundations for Indonesia’s national economy.
According to Muhadjir, much like Indonesia’s first president, Soekarno, Soeharto also shared a historical bond with Muhammadiyah.
“Subjectively, both were Muhammadiyah cadres. With such great service to the nation, Mr. Harto is very deserving of the National Hero title,” he emphasized.
PP Muhammadiyah Chairman Dadang Kahmad added that Soeharto was an important figure in Indonesian history who demonstrated strong, development-oriented leadership.
He pointed to Soeharto’s success in achieving rice self-sufficiency, advancing the Family Planning Program, and maintaining economic and security stability as concrete evidence of his capable leadership.
“When we honor a person’s heroism, it should not be viewed through the lens of political differences, but through the lens of the nation’s and state’s interests,” Dadang remarked.
A similar stance was expressed by Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) Chairman Ahmad Fahrur Rozi, also known as Gus Fahrur, who stated that Soeharto deserves the National Hero title for his role in national stabilization and economic progress.
“Mr. Harto made great contributions to national stability and economic development. During his era, Indonesia was known worldwide as one of Asia’s emerging economic tigers,” he said.
The growing support for awarding Indonesia’s second president the title of National Hero reflects the nation’s deep appreciation for figures who have played pivotal roles in its history.
The results of the government’s study and eventual decision will form part of the ongoing effort to preserve the nation’s collective memory of its struggle and development—while affirming the importance of state recognition for those who have made extraordinary contributions to Indonesia.
