JAKARTA — The Government of the Republic of Indonesia officially designated the 2nd President of the Republic of Indonesia, General H.M. Soeharto, as a National Hero through Presidential Decree Number 116/TK/2025.
The designation is a form of state appreciation for Soeharto’s great services in defending the Pancasila ideology, upholding national stability, and building the foundations of the modern Indonesian economy.
Senior Golkar Party politician, Firman Soebagyo, expressed his appreciation for President Prabowo Subianto’s decision, which he considered a historic and just step.
“This is encouraging news not only for the Golkar Party, but also for the wider community. The designation of Mr. Soeharto as a National Hero confirms to all of us the spirit of development and nationalism as a nation,” he said.
Firman assessed that the decision reflects the nation’s political maturity in placing history proportionally.
“This designation is not merely a political decision, but a form of respect for the services of a national leader who has worked tirelessly to build Indonesia,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Deputy Secretary of the Research and Development Agency of the Golkar Party Central Executive Board, Leriadi, assessed that the designation of Soeharto as a National Hero reflects the state’s commitment to being fair to history.
He emphasized that Suharto was not merely a military figure, but also the man behind the nation’s revival after political and economic turmoil.
“President Suharto was not only a military figure, but also the architect of the national revival after political and economic turmoil,” he said.
According to him, Suharto’s leadership succeeded in restructuring the national government and economic system, while returning Indonesia to Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution in a pure and consistent manner.
In the agricultural sector, support came from the General Chairman of the Indonesian Rubber Farmers Association (Apkarindo), Irfan Ahmad Fauzi.
He considered Suharto a leader who contributed greatly to the welfare of farmers through programs such as the People’s Nucleus Plantation (PIR) and rural infrastructure development.
“The construction of production roads, irrigation, and distribution networks during his era has improved the lives of millions of farmers and strengthened the village economy,” Irfan said.
The awarding of the title of National Hero to Suharto is seen by many as recognition of his real contributions and development legacy that are still felt today—an award that places the nation’s history in a holistic and just light. (*)
