The public is urged to be wary of provocative demonstrations related to the recognition of Soeharto as a hero
By: Ricky Rinaldi
The government’s official announcement of the award of national hero to Suharto on this year’s Heroes’ Day commemoration immediately became one of the most heated and easily politicized public issues. After the state’s decision was officially confirmed and announced by the President, reactions quickly evolved, ranging from support to rejection, accompanied by calls for street demonstrations. In such a situation, the government warned the public not to be provoked, as certain groups appeared to be trying to exploit the moment to fuel polarization and escalate tensions.
Several media reports in early November described protests in several locations, particularly in Jakarta, by activist groups opposing the designation of Suharto as a national hero. The protests were brief but sparked an emotional response online, particularly due to the dissemination of incomplete information and manipulative narratives. The government acknowledged the differing views but emphasized that they must remain within the law, be restrained by public order, and not devolve into political mobilization that harms the wider community.
To maintain a conducive situation, the government reiterated that the designation of Soeharto as a national hero followed the same procedures as for other figures. This process was not a sudden event, but rather the result of an assessment by a review team, administrative verification, and recommendations from relevant institutions before being officially confirmed by the President. By re-explaining these stages, the government hopes the public will understand that the announced decision was not a snap decision, let alone one driven by political pressure, but rather a state process with measurable standards.
One confirmation of the government’s position came from Culture Minister Fadli Zon, who in several news reports stated that the names awarded this year, including Soeharto, were included because they met the administrative and historical requirements based on expert review. This explanation strengthened public confidence in the scientific basis of the government’s decision, which suggested the government acted without due diligence, as the ministry asserted that all procedures had been followed and approved before the public announcement.
The administrative explanation was further reinforced by Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono, who stated that the awarding of titles was based on official documents and a formal study completed before the heroes’ names were announced on November 10. He reminded the public to always refer to official government statements, not information circulating on social media, which is often a mixture of fact and interpretation. This message essentially urged citizens not to be led into the flow of digital provocation, which certain parties have exploited to create the impression that the state’s decision was controversial from the outset.
Beyond these two explanations, the government also observes a pattern of deliberate provocation by anonymous social media accounts attempting to link the country’s decisions to old political sentiments. Such narratives spread rapidly and often lack official data or mechanisms. Therefore, the government urges the public to be more cautious about calls to action that appear without clear identities, as some of these calls do not originate from aspirational groups but rather from individuals trying to fish in troubled waters.
Security forces were instructed to ensure democratic space remained intact while ensuring that the demonstrations did not degenerate into anarchy. The government emphasized that demonstrations were still permitted, but the goal of security measures was to ensure they did not escalate into physical clashes or were used by certain parties to escalate tensions. This approach combined respect for civil liberties with the state’s obligation to maintain public order.
At this stage, the government is urging the public to view the decision to award the title of hero more broadly as part of the nation’s evolving historical journey. Honoring figures deemed to have contributed does not mean closing off discussion of their historical record; in fact, this process can strengthen an objective understanding of history without reopening old controversies. However, the government cautions that the dialogue process will lose its meaning if it is hijacked by provocations or calls for action that only serve to divide.
In closing, the government emphasized that the decision had been legally taken and announced, so what is now needed is public maturity in responding. Dissenting opinions can still be voiced, but they must be done in a way that does not disrupt social harmony. The government urges citizens to be wary of provocations that attempt to exploit this dynamic, as stability and unity are more important than the interests of groups seeking to exploit the situation for narrow political gain.
As further reinforcement, it is important to emphasize that all government measures in response to this dynamic are aimed at maintaining a conducive national atmosphere. The state’s decision regarding the designation of heroes is a constitutional authority that has undergone extensive and professional review. Therefore, the public is expected to remain focused on the agenda of national unity and not allow for provocations that attempt to undermine public stability. The government believes that with the cooperation of all elements of society, the security situation can be maintained and the national development process can proceed without disruption.
*)Strategic Issues Observer
