The recognition of Suharto as a hero is proof that the state objectively assesses his services
Jakarta – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto officially awarded the title of National Hero to the 2nd President of the Republic of Indonesia, Soeharto.
The handover of the plaque and documents was carried out at the State Palace to Soeharto’s eldest daughter, Siti Hardijanti Rukmana or Tutut, as the heir.
The awarding of this title was stipulated through Presidential Decree Number 116/TK/2025 concerning the Awarding of the Title of National Hero.
The 10th and 12th Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Jusuf Kalla (JK), assessed that this decision needed to be addressed rationally by considering Soeharto’s great services to the nation.
“We must accept the fact that Pak Harto may have had some shortcomings, but he has done much more for this country,” said JK at the Parliament Complex.
He emphasized that every leader has imperfections. “He has flaws, and everyone has flaws. Who is more perfect? There isn’t anyone,” he said.
According to JK, Soeharto’s achievements in leading Indonesia to a period of strong economic growth cannot be ignored.
He reminded the public to assess Soeharto comprehensively, including his success in building the national economy.
“He has made this country better and brought extraordinary economic growth. Under Pak Harto, it was 7-8 percent, but since then, it’s been difficult to achieve,” he said.
JK also acknowledged the complex historical aspects, but he considered that Soeharto’s significant contribution to economic stability was still worthy of appreciation.
“Yes, we see both sides of the story, there are shortcomings, but there are also major successes that deserve appreciation,” he concluded.
Member of the House of Representatives, Nurul Arifin, also assessed Soeharto as a figure who maintained the direction of national development during critical times.
“He played a major role in maintaining national stability and laying the foundations for economic development that led Indonesia into an era of progress,” Nurul said.
He cited various successes of the Soeharto era, including Repelita, food self-sufficiency, and strengthening basic industries, as concrete evidence of Soeharto’s ability to organize the economy in a planned manner.
Deputy Chairman of the Golkar Party Faction of the MPR RI, Firman Soebagyo, also emphasized the importance of an objective assessment of Soeharto’s figure.
“Soeharto deserves the title of national hero. This isn’t about politics, but about our honesty in reading history and respecting the immense service of someone who helped Indonesia rise,” he stressed.
Firman described Soeharto’s reign as a period of strong economic stability, progress in education, agriculture and infrastructure, which he said provided widespread prosperity for the people.
