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17m ago

Indonesia Names Suharto a National Hero as Rights Groups Decry the Decision

Bestowed by President Prabowo Subianto, the honor revives calls for accountability over mass killings plus corruption allegations.

Former Indonesian President Suharto waves to the media in Jakarta March 8,1996. REUTERS/Enny Nuraheni
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, right, hands a national hero certificate to Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana, second left, daughter of the late President Suharto and son Bambang Trihatmojo, left, during a ceremony awarding national hero title to ten figures including the former strongman, at the State Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, Monday, Nov. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)
Activists hold placards depicting former Indonesian President Suharto during a protest against government's plans to name him a national hero, outside the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, November 6, 2025. REUTERS/Willy Kurniawan
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Overview

  • At a National Hero Day ceremony in Jakarta, a presidential decree added Suharto to a list of 10 new honorees, with President Prabowo Subianto presiding.
  • Pro‑democracy activists, rights groups and victims’ families condemned the move as historical whitewashing, following an open letter signed by about 500 civil society members.
  • State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi defended the award as recognition of national service, while officials said candidates were vetted by parliament and a national assessment committee.
  • Culture Minister Fadli Zon said accusations tied to the 1965–66 mass killings were never proven in court, a stance critics say normalizes impunity.
  • Suharto’s daughter Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana and son Bambang Trihatmodjo received the honor, with other new heroes including slain labor activist Marsinah and former president Abdurrahman Wahid.