Suharto's Hero Title Is Questioned, Fadli Zon: All Conditions Are Fulfilled And Transparent

JAKARTA - Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia as well as Chairman of the Council of Titles, Service and Honorary Signs (GTK), Fadli Zon, emphasized that the process of proposing the National Hero title was carried out strictly, transparently, and objectively.

Fadli has reported 49 names of National Hero candidates to President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace, Wednesday, November 5. Of that number, 24 names are priorities, including the 2nd President of the Republic of Indonesia, Suharto.

Suharto's name has been proposed three times, including in 2011 and 2015. All proposals have met the requirements," said Fadli on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of the 9th World Peace Forum at the National Gallery, Jakarta, Saturday, November 9.

Previously, he received 40 proposals from the Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf based on the results of the discussion of the Central Title Research and Research Team (TP2GP). According to Fadli, the assessment involved various parties from local governments, academics, to cross-field experts.

Meanwhile, the figure of Muhammadiyah Din Syamsuddin fully supports Suharto as a National Hero. Suharto's determination is very appropriate, even though it is too late. During his 30 years of leading Indonesia, he was strongly committed to building the nation," said Din after attending the opening ceremony of the 9th World Peace Forum (World Peace Forum) at the National Gallery, Jakarta.

He assessed that Suharto's services in national development cannot be ignored. Suharto showed commitment to Islam, not subjectively, but objectively. The majority of the Indonesian people are Muslims, and building a nation means also building Muslims," he said.

Din also appealed to the public to respond wisely to this proposal. "Recognition of Suharto does not erase the services of other figures, including Soekarno as the proclaimer. Mistakes can occur, as long as it does not violate the constitution," he said.

Fadli added that the awarding of the National Hero title is a form of respect for figures who have contributed greatly. The government will announce a list of recipients of the National Hero's title on November 10, 2025, coinciding with Heroes' Day. The final decision remains in President Prabowo Subianto's prerogative.