Observer: It Is Fair For PDIP To Reject Suharto To Become A National Hero, The Government Is Asked To Be Objective

Former President of the Republic of Indonesia Suharto (Source: Commons Wikimedia)

Political communication observer at Esa Unggul University, M Jamiluddin Ritonga, assessed that the attitude of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) which rejected the government's plan to propose the name of the second President of the Republic of Indonesia, Suharto, as a national hero was a natural thing.

According to Jamiluddin, this rejection cannot be separated from the long history of political relations between PDIP and Suharto, which during his lifetime were never harmonious.

PDIP strongly rejects the government's plan to include Suharto as a national hero. This rejection is natural because the relationship between PDIP and Suharto during his practical life is never good. Therefore, it is natural that the PDIP narrative against Suharto has been generally minor," said Jamiluddin when contacted, Sunday, October 2.

However, Jamiluddin assessed that the party's political stance should not be a determining factor in the process of determining the title of a national hero. He emphasized the importance of the government adhering to objective criteria as stipulated in the official provisions regarding the title of heroism.

"The government should remain focused on assessing Suharto according to the criteria for national heroes that have been set. By obeying the principles of existing criteria, the government will be safe in determining whether or not Suharto is worthy of being a national hero," he said.

He emphasized that no human is perfect, including Suharto. Therefore, although many parties have a negative view of the second president of the Republic of Indonesia, the government's decision must be based on an objective assessment, not a political opinion.

"The minor PDIP sound against Suharto should not have determined Suharto to become a national hero," said Jamiluddin.

Furthermore, he assessed that the determination of Suharto as a national hero objectively would make it easier for President Prabowo Subianto to account for this decision to the public.

"If Suharto is decided to become an objective national hero, then Prabowo will easily account for it to the Indonesian people," he said.

According to Jamiluddin, a rational and open approach can also help maintain good relations between Prabowo and PDIP General Chair Megawati Soekarnoputri, given the political history involving the two.

However, he reminded that if the government's decision seems political and is not based on clear criteria, public rejection can be widespread.

"If Prabowo sets Suharto to become a national hero without clear criteria, there will be rejections everywhere. Including being able to strengthen Prabowo's relationship with Megawati," he said.

To avoid potential political friction and maintain public trust, Jamiluddin emphasized the importance of the government openly explaining the indicators used in assessing Suharto's feasibility as a national hero.

The government must openly convey the instruments used to determine Suharto to become a national hero. That way, the people can understand and Prabowo and Megawati's relationship can be maintained," said Jamiluddin.