Fadli Zon Supports Achmad Mochtar and Mr. Assaat to Become National Heroes

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon proposed Prof. Dr. Achmad Mochtar and Mr. Assaat as National Heroes. (IST)

JAKARTA - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon supports the proposal of Prof. Dr. Achmad Mochtar and Mr. Assaat as National Heroes. The two names are considered to have an important role in Indonesian history, although they come from different paths of service.

The support for Achmad Mochtar was conveyed by Fadli when giving a keynote speech at the Indonesian Academy of Sciences or AIPI Seminar entitled Proposal for the National Hero Title of Prof. Dr. Achmad Mochtar, Scientist, Martyr, and National Hero which was held online, Tuesday, August 4.

Meanwhile, support for Mr. Assaat was conveyed when Fadli received an audience with Iqbal Assa'at, Mr. Assaat's son, at the Ministry of Culture Office on the same day.

Fadli said the history of the nation was not only filled with political, diplomatic, or physical struggles. According to Fadli, figures in science, including in the field of medicine, also have an important place in the history of Indonesian struggles.

He called Achmad Mochtar an important figure in the history of Indonesian scientists. Achmad Mochtar was a doctor and head of the Eijkman Institute during the Japanese occupation.

"Prof. Dr. Achmad Mochtar is one of the important figures in the history of scientists in Indonesia. He is a doctor and head of the Eijkman Institute during the Japanese occupation and sacrificed himself to protect his colleagues. In my opinion, this is a heroic act," said Fadli.

Fadli also highlighted Achmad Mochtar's actions in events related to the Klender romusha tragedy in August 1944. According to Fadli, this attitude is a form of heroism that should be remembered.

"In this seminar, I stated that I strongly support the proposal from Prof. Dr. Achmad Mochtar to become a National Hero, because his services and dedication are extraordinary," said Fadli.

"In a critical moment, he dared to maintain his attitude and unwavering stance even though his life was at stake. His name is special not only as a scientist, but also his morals who chose to die to protect his colleagues," he continued.

Fadli appreciated academics, historians, and the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Indonesia who initiated the proposal of Achmad Mochtar.

According to Fadli, recognition often comes out of time so that Achmad Mochtar's name is not widely known by the public.

Achmad Mochtar previously received the Nararya Jasa Bintang. His name was also immortalized as the name of a hospital in Bukittinggi. However, Fadli considered that his struggle and sacrifice for science deserved higher awards from the state.

On a separate occasion, Fadli also received an audience with Iqbal Assa'at to discuss the development of the proposal for Mr. Assaat as a National Hero.

Iqbal explained that the process of proposing the title of National Hero for Mr. Assaat had started several years ago, but had stopped during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The process was resumed since February 2025 by the Banuhampu Family Association together with the writer and historian Hasril Chaniago according to the applicable procedures.

The family has also collected supporting documents. Some of them are in the form of personal letters, family archives, and historical photos submitted to the National Archives of the Republic of Indonesia or ANRI.

Fadli said Mr. Assaat was an important figure in the history of Indonesia and deserved attention through a thorough historical study.

"However, Mr. Assaat once served as President of the Republic of Indonesia during the Republic of Indonesia Serikat or RIS. He also played a role in inaugurating Gadjah Mada University in 1950," said Fadli.

Fadli hopes that the proposal for the title of National Hero for Mr. Assaat will run according to the mechanism. The process includes strengthening historical studies, scientific seminars, as well as the support of local governments and stakeholders.

The audience was attended by Darul Siska, Special Staff for the Minister for Protocol and Family Affairs Rachmanda Primayuda, and the Director of History and Museum Endah Budi Heryani.