Hero's Title For Suharto, Observers Say The Great Nation Doesn't Give Injuries But Respects Services

Director of the Observo Center, Muhammad Arwani Deni. (Rizky Sulistio/VOI)

JAKARTA - The Director of the Observatory Center, Muhammad Arwani Deni, assessed that the Indonesian nation needs to make peace with history and respect the services of every leader who has served this country.

Arwani made this statement in response to the attitude of the Chairperson of the PDI-P, Megawati Soekarnoputri, who rejected the discourse of giving the title of national hero to the 2nd President of the Republic of Indonesia, Suharto.

According to Arwani, the assessment of national figures should not be carried out with personal glasses, but with an objective view of the contribution that has been made to the nation and state.

"Whoever the figure is, including Suharto, must have a dark side. But he also has great services for this country. If this nation continues to weigh history with feelings, not with wisdom, we will never progress," said Arwani in his statement, Sunday, November 9, 2025.

Arwani assessed that Suharto's services in maintaining political stability, strengthening economic sovereignty, and laying down the foundation of national development are part of history that cannot be erased.

Arwani emphasized that giving Suharto the title of national hero does not mean turning a blind eye to the shortcomings of his reign, but rather a form of respect for the real contribution to the nation.

"The big nation does not deny the wound, but also does not forget the service. Recognition of Suharto is a form of maturity in the state," he said.

Responding to Megawati's reason for mentioning President Soekarno's funeral difficulties at the Heroes Cemetery during the Suharto administration, Arwani said it was a humane emotional experience.

However, according to him, the interests of the state cannot be measured with personal experience.

"If personal revenge is used as a measure of nationality, later every former president's family can refuse each other. In fact, Indonesia is not a country of revenge, but a country that upholds peace and wisdom," he said.

Arwani also reminded that almost all political parties in Indonesia always call for national reconciliation and social peace.

Therefore, he assessed that the debate over the title of a national hero should not be a reproductive tool for historical injuries.

"Aren't all political parties talking about peace and unity? So, consistency must be realized, not just said," he added.

Arwani also emphasized that an adult nation is a nation that dares to recognize the services of every leader, without having to be trapped in the shadow of the past.

"It's time for us to make peace with history. Not to forget, but to respect. Because without the past, there is no Indonesia today," he said.