The Polemic Of The National Hero Title Suharto, Golkar: The Focus Of Services, Not Lacks

2nd President Suharto (Intermediate archive)

JAKARTA - The proposal to give the title of National Hero to the 2nd President of the Republic of Indonesia, Suharto, has triggered a wave of pros and cons that is increasingly heating up in the midst of civil society and academics.

Responding to the polemic, a senior figure from the Golkar Party as well as the Minister of Investment/Head of BKPM, Bahlil Lahadalia, voiced a relaxed and diplomatic attitude, calling the controversy a "ordinary" thing in the context of a country that respects the services of its leaders.

Bahlil emphasized that it is important for the Indonesian people to respect all national figures, while reminding them that absolute perfection belongs only to God.

Responding to the rejection of the proposal, Bahlil stated that this kind of controversy is a natural dynamic in a democratic country.

"Yes, that's normal. The problem... this country we have to respect the services of the nation's leaders. So, we are normal," said Bahlil, Jakarta, Thursday, November 6.

As one of the key cadres and figures in the Golkar Party, Bahlil emphasized that his party's support for the proposed title of Hero Suharto was based on services that were considered extraordinary during his 32 years of leadership.

Bahlil specifically highlighted Suharto's role as one of the founders of Golkar who played a vital role in fighting Communist ideology which was considered to intend to replace the Pancasila ideology.

Furthermore, Bahlil explained that as the leader of the nation, Suharto was able to bring Indonesia out of a very high inflation situation (achieving 100%) and successfully maintaining economic stability. He was also considered successful in creating massive jobs in his time.

The peak of this success, according to Bahlil, is Suharto's best contribution in realizing food self-sufficiency and energy self-sufficiency. This achievement made Indonesia known as the "Macan Asia" during that period.

This argument is a strong basis for the Golkar Party to continue to fight for the highest award for the President who led the New Order era.

Bahlil stated that Suharto's track record is like every other leader, has a positive side and a negative side. However, he stressed that this nation should focus on the best service and contribution that has been given.

"If we want to talk about a perfect human being, perfection is only Allah SWT. Everything is still plus minus, let alone the good, yes we must respect all the founders and national leaders," he stressed, calling for a more humane approach in assessing the history of leadership.

As a form of highest respect to all meritorious figures, Bahlil even expanded his proposal. "If necessary, we advise all these former presidents, if possible, to be considered for the title of National Hero," concluded Bahlil, calling for the award to be given thoroughly to all former national leaders as a form of recognition for their services.