Prabowo Bestows National Hero Title on Former President Suharto Amidst Societal Debate
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Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto has officially awarded the title of National Hero to Suharto, the nation’s second president, in a ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Monday, November 10, 2025. The decision, while celebrated by the former leader’s family, has sparked ongoing debate within Indonesian society regarding Suharto’s complex legacy.
A Divided Nation Honors a Controversial Figure
The awarding of the title comes despite acknowledged societal divisions surrounding Suharto’s 32-year rule. Family members present at the ceremony – including Siti Hardijanti Hastuti Rukmana (Tutut Soeharto), Bambang Trihatmodjo, and Siti Hediati Hariyadi (Titiek) – expressed acceptance of the differing viewpoints. Following the formal proceedings, a visibly emotional exchange took place as Titiek and her son, Didit Hediprasetyo, embraced Bambang Trihatmodjo and Tutut, underscoring the family’s shared sense of closure and recognition.
2025 National Hero Recipients Announced
Suharto was among ten figures recognized with the National Hero title in 2025, a list that also includes:
- The late KH Abdurrahman Wahid (Field of Political Struggle and Islamic Education)
- The late Marsinah (Social and Humanitarian Struggle)
- The late Prof. Dr. Mochtar Kusumaatmadja (Legal and Political Struggle)
- The late Hajjah Rahmah El Yunusiyyah (Field of Struggle for Islamic Education)
- The late TNI General (Ret.) Sarwo Edhie Wibowo (Armed Struggle Field)
- The late Sultan Muhammad Salahuddin (Field of Educational Struggle and Diplomacy)
- The late Syaikhona Muhammad Kholil (Field of Islamic Education Struggle)
- The late Tuan Rondahaim Saragih (Armed Struggle Field)
- The late Zainal Abidin Syah (Field of Political Struggle and Diplomacy)
Family Responds to Public Discourse
Acknowledging the ongoing public debate, a member of the Suharto family, Tutut, addressed the controversy directly. “Indonesian society is diverse, some are for and some are against, that’s normal,” she stated at the State Palace. She urged citizens to consider the entirety of Suharto’s life and contributions to the nation.
“What is important is that we see what my father has done since he was young until he died, all of which were struggles for the country and the people of Indonesia,” Tutut continued, advocating for a balanced perspective. She emphasized the importance of maintaining national unity, stating, “So it’s okay to oppose, but don’t be extreme, the important thing is that we maintain unity and unity.”
Gratitude and a Call for Understanding
Tutut expressed the family’s gratitude to President Prabowo and the Indonesian people for their support. She extended a gesture of inclusivity, stating, “For those who are against it and have not supported us and their families, we do not feel any resentment, disappointment or anything like that. Indeed, we are a united country, there are many kinds, please be welcome.” She further noted that Prabowo, with his own extensive military background, possessed a deep understanding of Suharto’s service and motivations, suggesting this informed his decision.
The awarding of the National Hero title to Suharto represents a significant moment in Indonesian history, one that continues to provoke reflection and dialogue about the nation’s past and its path forward.
