Jokowi Will Give The Mahaputera Star Title To Gatot Nurmantyo

Former TNI Commander Gatot Nurmantyo (Photo: Instagram @gatotnurmantyo)

JAKARTA - The Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Mahfud MD said President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) would give an honorary title in the form of Bintang Mahaputera to former TNI Commander Gatot Nurmantyo.

The awarding of Gatot Nurmantyo, who is also the Presidium of the Coalition for Action to Save Indonesia (US), will be held to coincide with the commemoration of Heroes' Day on November 10-11.

Apart from Gatot, there is one other name who will win this title, namely Arief Hidayat. Then the other two people will also receive the title of national heroes.

"On November 10 and 11 2020 the President will confer the titles of National Hero (PN) and Bintang Mahaputera (BM). Those who get PN titles, among others, SM Amin and Soekanto, who get BM, include Gatot Nurmantyo and Arief Hidayat," Mahfud said as quoted from his Twitter account @mohmahfudMD, Tuesday, November 3.

The former Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court (MK) then explained that the title of Bintang Mahaputera was given to Gatot Nurmantyo because he was once the TNI Commander.

"Yes, all former commanders and all former ministers and Heads of State Institutions who have completed a period also get BM. It must be given indiscriminately," he explained.

It is known, Gatot had indeed served as TNI Commander from 2014 to 2018 and was replaced by Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto.

Since he stepped down, Gatot has often held opposing views of the government. In addition, he also formed WE, which is known as an organization that often criticizes President Jokowi's government.

As for what is meant by Bintang Mahaputera, it is an appreciation for the outstanding services of a figure in various fields who are beneficial to the progress, welfare and prosperity of the nation and state.

Apart from Gatot, President Joko Widodo has also given the same title some time ago to his two critics, Fahri Hamzah and Fadli Zon. Both were given the title Bintang Mahaputera because of their contributions as members of the legislature and had served as top leaders in the Indonesian Parliament.