The Public Needs An Open Explanation Regarding Indicators For Providing Honorary Stars By President Prabowo Subianto

President Prabowo Subianto is considered not selective in giving Mahaputera Stars to a number of figures, because there is the name of former Bank Indonesia Governor Burhanuddin Abdullah.

Prabowo confers an honorary sign to 141 people at the State Palace, Jakarta, Monday (25/8/2025). The honors given by Prabowo range from the signs of the Star of the Republic of Indonesia Utama, Mahaputera Adipurna Star, Mahaputera Star, Service Star, Humanitarian Star, Parama Dharma Cultural Star, to Sakti Star.

"Thank you for the services of all of you and those whose parents were not present, the heirs too, on behalf of the state and nation, thank you," Prabowo was quoted as saying in his official statement.

"Hopefully the services of the brothers and sisters will continue to be a legacy to the next generation."

The awarding of the Star of Mahaputera honor refers to Law Number 20 of 2009 concerning Titles, Signs, Services, and Honors. Mahaputera stars are the second highest honor given by the government, at the level below the Stars of the Republic of Indonesia. Of the names that received the Award for Honorary Signs of the Star of the Republic of Indonesia, some of them were Puan Maharani, Ahmad Muzani, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, and Agum Gumelar.

Prabowo also awarded Mahaputera Star Honorary Signs to 88 recipients, including Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar, Bahlil Lahadalia, Saifullah Yuusuf, and Andi Amran Sulaiman. However, there is a name that is a question because Prabowo also gave Mahaputera Stars to Burhanuddin Abdullah, the former BI Governor who had stumbled upon a corruption case.

The awarding of the honorary title this time is in the spotlight because there are 11 ministers in the ranks of the Red and White Cabinet who get it. Minister of State Secretary (Mensesneg) Prasetyo Hadi ensured that the honorary title was not due to the inherent contributions of ministers and representatives, but because of the achievements achieved during his 10 months serving in the Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka government.

"So it's not because it represents the cabinet, no. But it's because of the achievements that have been produced for 10 months," he added.

Public Policy Observer Trubus Rahadiansyah said that the awarding of the honorary title was basically the prerogative of the president. This can be considered as a form of attention to figures thanks to their contribution to the nation and state.

"Make those given there are also some who have died and do have services for the nation and state," Trubus said when contacted by VOI.

However, Trubus understands the people who question the awarding of honorary signs of Mahaputera stars to several figures who are considered controversial, one of whom is former BI Governor Burhanuddin Abdullah.

The award was given because Buhanuddin was considered to have contributed to maintaining monetary stability and strengthening the national banking system. Despite having a brilliant career, Burhanuddin Abdullah was found guilty in a corruption case in the BI fund flow. He was sentenced to five years in prison, subsidiary to six months in prison by a panel of judges at the Jakarta Corruption Court (Tipikor) on October 29, 2008. In addition, Burhanuddin also received a fine of Rp250 million.

"Yes, if it's a former corruptor, it shouldn't be allowed. The former corruptor can get an award. This raises public questions why?" Trubus said.

For this reason, according to Trubus, the awarding of honorary titles should have criteria that are known to the wider community, for example what achievements have been made so far. Because basically the public wants openness and accountability. This, he said, should be the government's job to provide explanations to the public.

"This means that the criteria are opened by the public so that people don't ask questions. Indeed, this is a prerogative, but the community needs complete information. Because for the community, is there any benefit to the public? " Trubus explained.

The same thing was conveyed by the Executive Director of Indonesian Political Parameters, Adi Prayitno, explaining that the awarding of honors would definitely cause polemics and crucial questions from the public. Especially names that are considered not to have contributed or do not deserve honor.

For this reason, the government or the Presidential Communication Office should explain the basics of what makes a number of parties who have been making controversial policy noise also have an honor.

"The awarding of this honor must have been based on considerations, tracking, registration regarding their track record. Maybe they are considered to have dedication," said Adi.

"However, questions arise for others, because there are several roles that have not been significant to get an honorary title," he continued.

Regarding the name Burhanuddin Abdullah who also received an honorary sign, Adi Prayitno assessed that the public often debates or even considers someone unfit to accept respect if they have ever had problems with the law.

"But maybe the government has a preference, as a form of gratitude. Outside of the case, it does have a role for the nation and state," explained Adi.

Apart from Burhanuddin Abdullah, several other names that are also in the public spotlight in awarding this honorary title are Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadia and Cabinet Secretary (Seskab) Lt. Col. Teddy Indra Wijaya. Regarding public questions, Adi considers this to be the biggest homework for PCO to explain what is the indicator of the awarding of this honorary title, even though it is considered that it is still not worthy of it.

"If the explanation is given openly, questions will not arise from the public," he said.