Indonesian activists are vigorously opposing government plans to grant national hero status to former dictator Suharto, fearing it whitewashes a brutal period of human rights abuses and corruption.
Approximately 100 protesters gathered near the presidential palace in Jakarta. They argued that Suharto’s legacy of human rights violations and corruption makes him unfit for the honor. Some carried signs bearing messages such as “Stop whitewashing the killer general” and “Thousands died, but the country chooses to forget.”
The proposed recognition comes from Indonesia’s Social Affairs and Culture Ministries. They submitted Suharto’s name, along with 48 others, to President Prabowo Subianto. National Hero status is awarded annually on November 10 to individuals deemed to have made significant contributions to the nation.
Suharto governed Indonesia under his military-backed “New Order” regime for 32 years. His rule, which lasted until 1998, was marked by repression and widespread human rights abuses. He was ultimately forced from power amid an economic crisis, mass protests, and deadly riots in Jakarta.
Historians and activists estimate at least 500,000 people died in the purge that followed Suharto’s ascent to power in late 1965. This occurred after a failed communist coup, with Suharto serving as a key military commander at the time.
President Prabowo, elected last year, has openly praised Suharto, who was his former father-in-law. Prabowo has also shown a tendency to increasingly rely on the military in advancing his government’s agenda.
Several human rights organizations participated in the protest. These included Amnesty International Indonesia and the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS).
Wirdinda La Ode Ahmad, a representative from KontraS, questioned the proposal. She asked, “If he deserved to be a hero, why did he have to step down, and why was the New Order regime overthrown?”
Multiple human rights groups have also formally written to the Culture Minister and President Prabowo to express their strong objections. Culture Minister Fadli Zon stated that the nomination process for national heroes underwent public consultation. He affirmed, “We have conducted studies. Everyone meets the requirements.”