Indonesia Names Suharto a “National Hero,” Faces Backlash for Whitewashing Dictatorship

On November 10, 2025, the Indonesian government held a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta to bestow the title of “National Hero” on former dictator General Suharto. The ceremony was led by President Prabowo Subianto, a former general and Suharto’s son-in-law.

Critics argue that the move prioritizes “family loyalty over national unity” and reflects political motivations rather than historical legitimacy. The decision has triggered widespread criticism and protests nationwide, given Suharto’s controversial political and human rights record, which left deep scars on Indonesian society.

Who Was Suharto?

Suharto played a pivotal role in Indonesia’s early years, notably in disarming Japanese troops during the country’s 1945 independence struggle. As the architect of the “New Order” regime, he spearheaded economic development that saw Indonesia grow at an average of 7% annually for over 30 years, while inflation dropped from 600% in 1966 to 10% by 1997.

This period earned him the nickname “Father of Development” for expanding education, healthcare, and infrastructure across the nation.

However, his rule is also remembered for widespread human rights abuses and political repression. Following his rise to power in 1965, a violent purge targeting alleged communists led to the mass killing of over 500,000 people, an event that has never been officially investigated. Suharto was also accused of ordering the invasion of East Timor in 1975, torturing and abducting political dissidents, and embezzling more than US$45 billion in state funds through his family and associates.

He was forced to resign in May 1998 amid an economic crisis and mass riots. Attempts to prosecute him for corruption in 2000 were dropped due to ill health, and he died in 2008.

A Controversial Historical Revision

President Prabowo’s decision is widely viewed as part of a broader attempt to reinterpret Indonesian history. The government is currently promoting a new set of history textbooks that critics say downplay the violence and abuses of the New Order era.

Human rights group Amnesty Indonesia condemned the move, calling it an effort to “whitewash the crimes of Suharto’s authoritarian regime” and “distort the nation’s historical memory.”

The naming of Suharto as a national hero has sparked protests in Indonesia. / Getty Images

Last week, about 100 people protested in Jakarta against the designation, with additional demonstrations held today. An online petition opposing the decision has gathered more than 16,000 signatures.

On the same day, the government also conferred the “National Hero” title on Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur), a former president known for opposing Suharto and Marsinah, a labor activist killed by the military in 1993. Analysts say this was likely an attempt to “create political balance” and make the decision more publicly acceptable.

Although the Ministry of Social Affairs claims the nominations come from public proposals, many critics believe the move reflects the Suharto family’s ongoing effort to restore his legacy and could undermine Indonesia’s democratic reforms since 1998.

Disclaimer: This is an analytical news report. It does not reflect the opinions or editorial stance of the author or the news agency.

Sources: Reuters, BBC

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Source of material: official media /online news