MPR Chair Values Hero Title For Good Tradition Suharto

MPR chairman Ahmad Muzani (left) and DPD Chairman Sultan Bachtiar Najamudin/ANTARA/HO-Personal Documentation.

JAKARTA - MPR Chairman Ahmad Muzani assessed that the title of national hero given by President Prabowo Subianto to the 2nd President of the Republic of Indonesia Soeharto was a good tradition shown by President Prabowo to previous leaders.

According to Muzani, every human being, including leaders, does not escape mistakes, so what needs to be done is to remember and remember the kindness and services first, and cover the shortcomings and not repeat the mistakes that were made in the past. Such behavior is known in the Javanese language term as "milk dhuwur mendhem jero".

"I think what the government is doing is also an award from the state, the government for its services to Pak Harto, how do we provide space for the good, the struggles carried out by our leaders first, and now the awards are given. Therefore, I think this tradition is very good, from junior to senior, from son to father. Although, (Soeharto as, ed.) ordinary people of course there are wrong, there are forgets, "said MPR Chairman Ahmad Muzani as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, November 10.

Muzani also responded to questions about the history of the legal process that Suharto had faced, especially after stepping down as president.

According to Muzani, the entire legal process addressed to Suharto has been completed so that there are no obstacles for the government to designate Suharto as a national hero.

"Pak Suharto has undergone a legal process, both criminal and civil, therefore the MPR thinks that there are no obstacles for the government to give awards to someone who is considered to have given great services in his life to the nation and state, including to the 2nd President of the Republic of Indonesia, Muhammad Suharto," continued Muzani.

At the Presidential Palace, DPD Chairman Sultan Bachtiar Najamudin assessed that all former presidents, especially those who have passed away, ideally get an honorable place.

According to Sultan Bachtiar, every leader must always attach importance to the interests of the nation above their own interests.

"It should be that all the former presidents of Indonesia who have died, ideally in an honorable place, regardless that someone must agree, there are those who disagree. But I believe there is no intention whatsoever from him, the figures who have led Indonesia, think for their own interests," said the chairman of the DPD.

In the ceremony to award the title of national hero at the State Palace, Jakarta, Monday, President Prabowo awarded the 2nd President General Suharto as a national hero as stipulated in Presidential Decree (Keppres) Number 116/TK/2025 concerning the Awarding of the National Hero Title.

The charter plaque and the title documents for the national hero for the late Suharto were handed over by President Prabowo to the eldest daughter of Suharto, Siti Hardijanti Rukmana or Tutut Suharto as the heir of the family.