Hero Title Debate: Golkar Says Soeharto’s Strengths Can Continue, Shortcomings Must Be Evaluated

Deputy Chairperson Of The Golkar Party DPP Idrus Marham (doc Golkar)

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairperson of the Golkar Party DPP, Idrus Marham, asked the public to respect the President's decision regarding the awarding of the National Hero's title to the second President of the Republic of Indonesia, Suharto. According to Idrus, responding to state policies with emotions and narratives of hatred is at risk of breaking the life of the nation and damaging social cohesion.

The President's decision on awarding the title was read out at the National Hero's Title Award Ceremony at the State Palace, Central Jakarta, Monday 10 November. Presidential Decree No. 116/TK/2025 states that Suharto meets the criteria for extraordinary struggles, dedication, and services for the state. The award to Suharto sparked debate in the public sphere and mixed responses from a number of political figures.

In response, Idrus emphasized that the state's decision should not be responded to by a political threshold that could divide society.

"The President's decision has come out and appointed Mr. Suharto. Let's respect this policy and focus on how we carry out development programs together," said Idrus in his statement, Friday, November 14.

Idrus reminded the importance of maintaining national stability considering that Indonesia is a pluralistic nation. According to him, a debate that is full of hatred will only damage social cohesiveness and hinder the common agenda. He appealed to all parties not to get involved in unconstructing conflicts.

"We are fellow nation's children, a large family that is the resident and owner of the Indonesian Grand House. Let's all take care of this Big House on the basis of family values, mutual cooperation and togetherness," said Idrus.

Furthermore, Idrus invites the public to view the award in a balanced manner, realizing that every leader has advantages and disadvantages. "We should not continue Pak Harto's shortcomings, let's continue the advantages. Likewise, Bung Karno, Habibie, Gus Dur, Megawati, SBY and Jokowi, all humans are not plenary," he said.

Idrus also mentioned the need for space for rational evaluation and reconciliation. "There is an institution of conversion and there is an institution of forgiveness. We as children of the nation must see this issue with a clear heart," he said, stressing that this momentum should be used to evaluate the course of reform and improve future shortcomings.

The polemic over the award is expected to continue, but Idrus asks for differences of opinion to be conveyed constructively so that public discussions remain productive and do not cause social disharmony.

Idrus' statement coincided with the views of former Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD who assessed that legal assessment should not be ignored even though the state's award is administrative.

Mahfud stated that criticism of Suharto was legitimate, but also highlighted that the current practice of corruption according to him is more widespread than in the past. "Legally speaking, Pak Harto meets the requirements. When it comes to the president's mistake, all presidents have mistakes," said Mahfud.

The polemic of awarding this title also received criticism from a number of human rights activists and pro-democracy groups who highlighted the track record of human rights violations during the New Order era, including the 1965-1966 incident and the 1998 riots. On the other hand, supporters of the award emphasized Suharto's services in economic stability and development.

The government and a number of figures responded to the difference of views with the invitation for the discussion to take place constructively. Idrus hopes that this momentum can be used for historical evaluation and policy improvement in the future, not to deepen divisions. "Let's evaluate with a cool head. Our focus is Indonesia's future, not endless conflict," he said.