Gus Dur Awarded National Hero Title, DPR: He Makes Sense

JAKARTA - Member of Commission VIII DPR Maman Imanulhaq welcomed the government's decision to award the 2nd President of the Republic of Indonesia, KH. Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur) held the title of national hero right on Heroes' Day 2025.

According to him, the award for Gus Dur is not just a form of formality, but an acknowledgment of the humanitarian struggle that transcends his time.

"Gus Dur has been a hero for a long time because he fights for humans, not just ideology. He liberates reason, maintains human dignity, and defends the weak without strings attached," said Maman, Monday, November 10.

Maman also views that the state's recognition of Gus Dur is an affirmation of the nation's moral direction in the midst of increasing intolerance and social polarization. He called Gus Dur a symbol of courage and shade, as well as a cleric who penetrated religious, ethnic and political boundaries.

"When many people choose to be silent for security, Gus Dur speaks for the sake of truth. When many highlight religion to divide, Gus Dur shows that true religion unites and humanizes," said Maman.

The member of the House of Representatives commission in charge of religious and social affairs said that Gus Dur's example must be turned on in public policies, the world of education, and social life of the community.

Maman also assessed that the younger generation needs to learn from Gus Dur's courage to be able to change the public's perspective, namely from suspicion to affection, from power to service.

"Gus Dur not only left a legacy of ideas, but also moral energy which made this nation still have hope. Making him a National Hero means emphasizing that Indonesia stands on love, courage, and humanity," said the PKB legislator.

Maman also invited all Indonesian people, especially the young and pesantren, to imitate Gus Dur's struggle by continuing to side with justice and humanity.

"If today Gus Dur is recognized by the state as a National Hero, he has actually become a hero in the hearts of millions of people who have been touched by his love and courage," concluded Maman.

President Prabowo Subianto conferred the title of national hero to ten figures. Apart from Gus Dur, the President also awarded the title of national hero to the second President of the Republic of Indonesia Suharto, KH. Syaikhona Kholil, Marsinah, Prof. Dr. Mochtar Kusumaatmadja, and Rahmah El Yunusiyyah.

Then General TNI (Ret.) Sarwo Edhie Wibowo, Sultan Muhammad Salahuddin, Mr. Rondahaim Saragih, and Zainal Abidin Syah from North Maluku.

The awarding of the title of national hero was held at the State Palace, Jakarta, Monday, November 10. Prabowo directly handed over the title of national hero to the heirs.