Jakarta – The government’s decision to award former President Soeharto the title of National Hero has been widely welcomed across various sectors. Announced on National Heroes Day, November 10, 2025, the move is seen as a gesture of respect for Soeharto’s significant contributions to national development and the defense of Indonesia’s sovereignty.
Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi explained that the decision followed a long and careful process involving the Team for Research and Assessment of National Hero Titles (TP2GP).
“The government is granting the national hero title to former President Soeharto to honor a historical figure who has made significant contributions to the republic,” said Prasetyo in Jakarta.
Appreciation also came from members of parliament. Rachmat Gobel, a legislator from the NasDem Party, emphasized that the recognition is justified given Soeharto’s major role in advancing the nation.
“Everyone has weaknesses and shortcomings, but Pak Harto’s contributions to the nation and state were very substantial,” Gobel remarked, as reported on the official NasDem DPR RI website.
Support was echoed by religious figures and community leaders. KH Achmad Syamsul Askandar (Gus Aan) from East Java highlighted that acknowledging Soeharto’s service represents a balanced perspective on history.
“As a human being, he was not free from mistakes. Even President Gus Dur once said that Soeharto made very significant contributions to the nation, despite his shortcomings,” Gus Aan noted.
From West Nusa Tenggara, Dr. TGKH. Muhammad Zainuddin Atsani, grandson of National Hero TGKH. Muhammad Zainuddin Abdul Madjid, also welcomed the government’s decision. He pointed out Soeharto’s role in the General Offensive of March 1, 1949, in Yogyakarta, which demonstrated to the world that Indonesia remained a sovereign nation.
Din Syamsuddin, former chairman of PP Muhammadiyah, expressed support as well, describing Soeharto as a leader with a strong commitment to nation-building.
“During his 30 years of leadership as president, I know for certain that he was a leader committed to developing the nation and the state,” Din Syamsuddin said. He further highlighted that Soeharto’s dedication earned him the title of Father of National Development.
Mochamad Imamudinussalam, Executive Director of the ToBe Institute, added that the conferral followed official procedures.
“Soeharto contributed through programs such as food self-sufficiency, village infrastructure development, and pro-people economic policies. History shows he played a major role in defending sovereignty and building the nation,” Imamudinussalam stressed.
He also addressed concerns that the honor might be seen as political legitimization or historical revisionism, clarifying that the recognition of a national hero does not erase criticism, but rather acknowledges outstanding contributions to the country.
“The national hero title is recognition of significant service that has shaped Indonesia’s path. If moral perfection were the standard, no one would qualify as a hero,” Imamudinussalam concluded.
This widespread support reflects a growing consensus that the acknowledgment of Soeharto’s legacy is an important part of Indonesia’s historical and national appreciation.
