Soeharto National Hero Nomination Sparks Outrage in Indonesia and Timor-Leste
indonesia’s consideration of granting national hero status to former President Soeharto, a leader synonymous with authoritarianism and systemic corruption, is igniting widespread condemnation from human rights activists and drawing sharp criticism from Timor-Leste. President Prabowo subianto is currently reviewing nominations for the annual awards, with Soeharto’s name appearing on a shortlist of 40 candidates.
The proposal, initiated by the Social Affairs Ministry, has been justified by claims of reflecting “public aspirations.” However, critics argue the move represents a risky attempt to rehabilitate the image of a leader whose 31-year rule was marked by widespread abuses. State secretary and presidential spokesperson Prasetyo Hadi confirmed Thursday that President Prabowo, the former son-in-law of Soeharto, has received the list of nominees and will announce the recipients on National Heroes Day, November 10th.He noted there is “no set limit” to the number of individuals who can receive the honor.
Reader question: Why has the consideration of Soeharto for national hero status resurfaced now,despite previous blocks?
This is not the first time Soeharto’s name has been put forward for the prestigious title. Previous attempts sence 2010 were blocked by a 1998 decree from the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), which called for investigations into corruption allegations against the former president. The MPR rescinded that directive in October 2023, citing the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) decision to drop corruption charges against Soeharto in 2006 due to his declining health. He passed away two years later.
According to prevailing law, a national hero must have made meaningful contributions to the nation, have no criminal convictions, and demonstrate moral integrity and exemplary behavior. critics contend Soeharto fails to meet these criteria.
“Granting Soeharto the title of hero would be like pardoning the crimes of the New Order and ignoring the systemic corruption, collusion and nepotism [KKN],” stated Almas Sjafrina of Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) during a live streamed discussion Friday.”It would be a betrayal of the reformasi movement, which sought to end corruption, collusion and nepotism, and also a distortion of history.”
Sjafrina highlighted the 2005 Supreme Court ruling upholding the conviction of the Supersemar Foundation – established by Soeharto – for illegally misusing state funds. The court ordered his family to pay Rp 4.4 trillion (US$264 million) in restitution.
The controversy extends beyond Indonesia’s borders. Timor-Leste, which endured a brutal 24-year occupation under Soeharto’s orders beginning in 1975, has vehemently condemned the proposal. the Timor-Leste Truth and Reconciliation Commission (CAVR) estimates that hundreds of thousands of Timorese perished during the occupation.
Virgílio da Silva Guterres, Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice of Timor-Leste, labeled the proposal an attempt to erase the history of violence inflicted upon the Timorese people. “the struggle of the Timorese since 1975 cannot be separated from Soeharto’s role as a dictator who ruled the military regime with an iron fist,” he said.
José Luís de Oliveira, director of Timor-Leste’s branch of Asia Justice and Rights (AJAR), drew a stark parallel, asking, “Would Hitler deserve to be called a hero? Even if we are not direct victims of Hitler, would that be acceptable? The same question applies to Soeharto.” He emphasized that, as two sovereign nations, Indonesia and Timor-Leste must prioritize universal human rights.
The debate surrounding Soeharto’s legacy underscores the enduring tensions between acknowledging past complexities and upholding principles of justice and accountability. The final decision rests with President Prabowo, a figure deeply connected to the former regime, and will undoubtedly shape Indonesia’s national narrative for years to come.
