Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto has officially conferred the title of National Hero upon Indonesia’s 2nd President, Soeharto, during a state ceremony at the State Palace, Central Jakarta, on Monday, November 10, 2025. The conferment is stipulated in Presidential Decree (Keppres) No. 116/TK of 2025 concerning the Awarding of the National Hero Title. Soeharto was among ten figures honored with the title this year.
In his address, President Prabowo stated that awarding Soeharto the title was an expression of the nation’s respect and appreciation for his major contributions in laying the foundations of modern Indonesia.
“This nation stands strong because of the struggles of many great figures, and Mr. Harto is one of them. We honor his services in maintaining stability and advancing national development,” President Prabowo said in his remarks.
Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi explained that the President’s decision was based on careful consideration and an objective assessment of Soeharto’s record—from his role in Indonesia’s independence struggle to his decades of leadership as president.
“The President granted this title as a tribute to a national figure who played a pivotal role in our history. Soeharto made tremendous contributions, especially in safeguarding Indonesia’s unity and driving national economic progress,” Prasetyo stated at the State Palace.
Support for the decision came from various quarters, including religious leaders. Former Muhammadiyah Chairman Din Syamsuddin said the government’s move was very fitting and long overdue.
“From the bottom of my heart and mind, I truly believe that designating President Soeharto as a national hero is very, very appropriate, even if it comes late,” Din remarked.
He added that Soeharto was a leader deeply committed to national development.
“Throughout his 30 years of leadership, I know for certain that he was a leader with a strong commitment to building the nation and the state,” Din said.
Soeharto’s eldest daughter, Siti Hardijanti Hastuti Rukmana, better known as Tutut Soeharto, expressed her family’s gratitude to President Prabowo and the Indonesian people for the honor bestowed upon her late father.
“We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the President and the people of Indonesia, and to everyone who has supported this recognition,” Tutut said after the ceremony.
The state ceremony proceeded solemnly and peacefully, with all proceedings at the State Palace conducted in an orderly manner—reflecting the nation’s reverence for a leader who played a significant role in Indonesia’s progress.
This conferral stands as a symbol of Indonesia’s commitment to remembering and honoring the contributions of its leaders who helped guide the nation toward advancement and unity.
