Indonesia Honors Suharto as National Hero Amid Protests

Indonesia has granted late President Suharto the title of national hero, a move that has sparked debate over his controversial legacy. The announcement was made on Monday during National Heroes’ Day by President Prabowo Subianto, Suharto’s former son-in-law and current head of state.

Suharto ruled Indonesia from 1967 to 1998, overseeing decades of economic growth and stability after a turbulent post-independence period. However, his rule ended amid mass protests, with widespread accusations of corruption, nepotism, and human-rights abuses, including state violence and the invasion of East Timor.

At the ceremony in Jakarta’s Merdeka Palace, Suharto’s daughter accepted the plaque on his behalf. His portrait was displayed alongside other national heroes. 

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Outside, human-rights activists and families of victims of past abuses held protests, saying the recognition erased the suffering endured under his regime. “We fought Suharto, and now he’s a hero,” one activist told Reuters.

Government officials defended the decision, saying it followed historical research and reflected Suharto’s role in strengthening Indonesia during its early years. Critics, however, called the move an attempt to rewrite history and rehabilitate Suharto’s image.

Analysts said the decision could mark a shift in Indonesia’s approach to its past under President Prabowo, who once served in the military during Suharto’s rule.

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Suharto, who died in 2008, is among ten individuals honored this year. The recognition has renewed debate over how Indonesia balances its record of economic progress with the memory of decades of authoritarian rule.