Mrs. Tien Suharto Appointed As Indonesia's National Hero In Today's History, 30 July 1996

Existence of Siti Hartinah Suharto (Mrs. Tien) as First Lady. (Perpusnas)

JAKARTA History today, 27 years ago, 30 July 1996, the Indonesian government awarded Siti Hartinah (Mrs. Tien) the title of National Hero. President Suharto's wife is considered to have made a big contribution to the nation and state.

Previously, Mrs. Tien was recorded as actively helping the independence struggle for the era of the Revolutionary War (1945-1949). There are various involvements. Mrs. Tien is active in activities to help freedom fighters in the Indonesian Red Cross, Barisan Pemuda Putri, and Laskar Putri Indonesia.

The narrative of women not far from working in the kitchen is obsolete. Moreover, when juxtaposed with a woman named Siti Hartinah. She was able to transform into a woman who was no less than a man.

This narrative was proven when Indonesia perpetuated the Revolutionary War. Instead of choosing to stay at home, Mrs. Tien actually challenged herself to be directly involved in helping the freedom fighters. All because Mrs. Tien has also been active in various important organizations during the Japanese colonial period to the Revolutionary War.

Among others, the Indonesian Red Cross, the Women's Youth Front, and the Indonesian Women's Laskar. He gave all kinds of skills to help freedom fighters. His involvement also motivated other women to intervene to help the struggle.

The struggle of Mrs. Tien began to be reduced when she married Kemusuk youth, Suharto. The marriage made Ibu Tien perpetuate her service to her husband. She chose to be a housewife and raise her children.

Mrs. Tien's desire to empower women returned massively when her husband, Suharto, was appointed as the new Indonesian number one person. As the first woman of the country, Mrs. Tien was then released by the second Indonesian President to perpetuate the activities she liked.

He was then active in all kinds of women's empowerment activities. He is also one of the initiators of the establishment of Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII). The traces of Mrs. Tien's work can still be enjoyed today. A series of achievements made Mrs. Tien awarded the Gerilya Star in 1987. Even though that step did not escape criticism.

The Commander of ABRI General TNI LB Moerdani conferred the honor of the Gerilya Star to Mrs. Siti Hartinah Suharto, wife of General (ret) Suharto in a simple ceremony at his residence on Jalan Cendana Jakarta. The award for the Star of Guerrilla was based on the Decree of the President of the Republic of Indonesia No. 015/TK/2007 dated March 3, 1987.

The award was given for extraordinary services by showing courage, wisdom and loyalty in fighting and serving the Indonesian state and nation, during the physical struggle between 1945 and 1950. Especially during the War of Independence I and the War of Independence II," wrote Dharmasena Magazine report entitled "Ny". Siti Hartinah Suharto Dianugerahi Bintang Gerilya (1987).

The women's empowerment agenda continues to be perpetuated by Mrs. Tien. He wanted to set an example that a woman can perpetuate anything. Mrs. Tien showed that women are also able to contribute greatly to the country.

However, the sad news was heard on April 28, 1996, bringing everything to life. Today Ibu Tien breathed her last. Her departure brought deep sorrow. The government remembers her as a role model.

The government in particular, Suharto considers the services of Mrs. Tien for the nation and state to continue to be eternal. As a form of appreciation, Mrs. Tien was then awarded the title of National Hero of Indonesia on July 30, 1996.

"As an award for its extraordinary services and its heroic actions in the fight against the Dutch colonial government in general. Especially in the struggle to defend the principles of independence, building the Indonesian state and nation, so that such acts of heroism can be used as an example for every Indonesian citizen," it was written in the certificate of appreciation. Ibu Tien as the National Hero of Indonesia.