Suharto Officially Becomes A National Hero, Surya Paloh: Congratulations!

Chairman of the NasDem Party Surya Paloh at NasDem Tower, Central Jakarta, Tuesday, November 11. (Diah-VOI)

Chairman of the NasDem Party, Surya Paloh, congratulated the awarding of the title of hero which was officially pinned to the 2nd President of the Republic of Indonesia, Suharto. Surya addressed this congratulations to the Cendana family.

"We congratulate Pak Harto's extended family for giving Pak Harto the government the title of National Hero, yes," said Surya at NasDem Tower, Central Jakarta, Tuesday, November 11.

The government has officially appointed the 2nd President of the Republic of Indonesia, Suharto, as one of the recipients of the 2025 National Hero title. The announcement is scheduled to be made by President Prabowo Subianto on the commemoration of Heroes' Day, Monday, November 10.

The decision to give this title was based on Suharto's services in maintaining national stability and building the foundation of the Indonesian economy during his leadership. This was conveyed by the Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi who said there were 10 figures who would receive this year's title.

"This awarding of the title is a form of respect for the leaders who play a major role in the journey of the nation, including (Pak Harto)," said Prasetyo in Jakarta, Sunday, November 9.

According to him, the decision process was carried out through a long study by the Council of Titles, Services, and Honorary Signs (GTK). This council involves historians, academics, and community leaders to assess the contribution of each prospective recipient.

The Minister of Culture and Chairman of the GTK Council, Fadli Zon, explained that Suharto was proposed by the community and was considered to have made a major contribution to national development and resilience during his 32 years of leadership.

"He succeeded in bringing Indonesia to achieve food independence, stable economic growth, and active roles at the international level. These aspects are the basis for our assessment," said Fadli.

He also emphasized that this determination was purely through an academic process and was not related to historical debates surrounding the 1965-1966 events. "We are talking based on historical data and facts, not political assumptions," he said.

Apart from Suharto, the government will also give the title of national hero to several other figures, including the 4th President of the Republic of Indonesia Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur) to female labor activist Marsinah from Nganjuk.