Indonesia’s Decision to Name Suharto a National Hero Sparks Outrage and Debate

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia

---

Image Source: Getty Images

Indonesia’s government has ignited widespread controversy after naming former president Suharto a national hero, a move that has divided the nation and triggered protests over his authoritarian legacy.

The late Suharto, who ruled Indonesia from the 1960s to the late 1990s, presided over decades of economic growth but also brutal political repression. His New Order regime was marked by mass killings, the silencing of dissent, and allegations of widespread corruption. Despite this, many Indonesians still credit him for transforming the country into one of Southeast Asia’s largest economies.

The announcement was made during a ceremony at the state palace in Jakarta, led by President Prabowo Subianto, Suharto’s former son-in-law. Suharto was one of ten figures honored this year for contributions to the nation, with his children accepting the award on his behalf. The government described him as a figure who contributed to Indonesia’s early independence movement.

The recognition has been met with intense criticism. Human rights groups, including Amnesty Indonesia, condemned the move as an attempt to rewrite history and overlook the human rights abuses committed during Suharto’s rule. Protests have erupted in Jakarta, with demonstrators carrying signs rejecting the government’s decision, and more rallies are expected.

Suharto’s three decades in power were marked by economic success alongside deep social and political scars. Indonesia’s economy expanded by an average of seven percent annually during his rule, but this growth came at the cost of freedom and justice. He was accused of embezzling billions of dollars and orchestrating violent crackdowns, including the invasion of East Timor and the persecution of political opponents.

The inclusion of former president Abdurrahman Wahid and labor activist Marsinah, both outspoken critics of Suharto, among this year’s honorees appears to be an attempt to balance the decision. Still, for many Indonesians, the government’s move symbolizes an alarming trend of historical revisionism under Prabowo’s leadership.