Indonesia declares late strongman Suharto a national hero, sparking criticism from rights groups over his human rights record and corruption allegations
JAKARTA: Indonesia has posthumously named former president Suharto a national hero, a move that has drawn strong objections from activists and academics.
The late military dictator was among 10 individuals honoured during a National Hero Day ceremony on Monday presided over by President Prabowo Subianto.
Suharto ruled Indonesia with an iron fist for over three decades after seizing power in 1967.
His regime was marred by widespread allegations of corruption and severe human rights abuses.
Approximately 500 civil society members, activists and academics had previously sent a letter urging Prabowo not to proceed with the hero designation.
The letter stated that awarding Suharto the title betrayed his victims and democratic values while dangerously distorting history.
The Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence called the decision immoral and said it normalised impunity.
“Suharto, as someone suspected of being involved in human rights violations, state violence and various offences related to human rights abuses, does not deserve to be awarded the title of national hero,” said Kontras coordinator Dimas Bagus Arya.
State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi defended the government’s controversial decision.
“It is part of how we honour our predecessors, especially our leaders, who undoubtedly have made extraordinary contributions to the nation and the country,” he told reporters.
Suharto’s daughter Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana attended the ceremony and asked the public to remember her father’s contributions.
“Please remember what my father had done, from when he was young, until he was old, all his fights for this country and the Indonesian people,” she said.
The other nine new national heroes include slain labour activist Marsinah and former president Abdurrahman Wahid. – AFP
