President Prabowo Confers National Hero Title on Former President Suharto
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has ultimately conferred the title of 'National Hero' on his former father-in-law, who ruled as a dictator for more than 30 years, despite opposition from human rights groups.
According to foreign media reports, on the 10th (local time), which is 'Heroes' Day,' President Prabowo awarded the National Hero title to ten individuals, including former President Suharto, at the presidential palace in Jakarta, the capital.
Suharto led decades of authoritarian rule, during which up to one million political opponents were killed. Prasetyo Hadi, Minister of State Secretariat, explained, "(The conferment) is part of honoring a leader who made outstanding contributions to the country despite all adversity." Another government official told Bloomberg, "(Former President Suharto) is a hero in the field of struggle who stood out since the era of independence."
Among the framed portraits of the ten new national heroes displayed at the presidential palace that day was a portrait of former President Suharto, who passed away in 2008.
The portrait of former President Suharto in military uniform was placed next to a photo of labor activist Marsinah, who was abducted and murdered in 1993 during his rule. When asked by reporters for her thoughts on Marsinah being honored alongside former President Suharto, Marsinah's younger sister responded, "It is the government's decision," and added, "I came (to the presidential palace) only for Marsinah."
However, Bedjo Untung, who was imprisoned without trial on charges of involvement with the Indonesian Communist Party and is now the head of the 1965 Murder Victims Research Foundation, said, "I feel shocked, disappointed, and angry at this government's outrageous decision."
Protest poster opposing the conferment of the national hero title to Suharto. Photo by AFP Yonhap News
Siti Hardijanti Rukmana, the eldest daughter of former President Suharto, said, "I expressed my gratitude to President Prabowo for honoring my father as a national hero," and added, "Perhaps the president, being a former soldier himself, understands well what my father did."
President Prabowo maintained close ties with Suharto, including marrying his daughter. During Suharto's presidency, Prabowo served in Indonesia's special forces and was indicted for widespread human rights violations, yet continued to rise through the ranks. He and other unit members were banned from traveling to the United States, but in 2020, while Prabowo was serving as Minister of Defense, the travel ban was lifted.
Meanwhile, human rights groups and activists recently sent a letter to President Prabowo arguing that awarding the National Hero title to former President Suharto would betray the victims and democratic values of the past dictatorship era, and insisted that the honor should not be bestowed.
Suharto had been nominated for the National Hero title several times since 2010, but previous Indonesian leaders had rejected it in the face of controversy and national protests.
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