Indonesia Names Former President Suharto a 'National Hero'

Indonesia Names Former President Suharto a 'National Hero'
Above: A portrait painting of Indonesia's former president Suharto is displayed during a ceremony held to mark National Heroes Day at the State Palace in Jakarta on Nov. 10, 2025. Image copyright: Bay Ismoyo/AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-government narrative

Suharto's national hero designation represents Indonesia's political maturity and commitment to objective historical assessment. The former president's contributions to economic development, agricultural advancement, and infrastructure growth laid the foundation for modern Indonesia, while his role in the independence struggle helped secure national sovereignty. This recognition demonstrates a mature nation's ability to honor past leaders' achievements and foster national unity through reconciliation.

Government-critical narrative

Granting Suharto hero status betrays the 1998 Reformasi movement and undermines Indonesia's commitment to justice and human rights. The former dictator's legacy remains tainted by systematic corruption, nepotism and gross human rights violations that judicial review has confirmed. True heroism demands unimpeachable integrity, not rewarding authoritarian rulers whose crimes against the Indonesian people remain unresolved.

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© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.17.2