Archive · 10 Nov 2025
Indonesia Awards Late Dictator Suharto 'National Hero' Status, Sparking Protests
Indonesia gave a special award, called 'national hero,' to a former leader named Suharto, who ruled the country for 30 years.
Many people are very upset about this.
They say Suharto was accused of hurting many people and being corrupt during his time in charge.
They believe giving him this award is wrong because it disrespects those who suffered and makes it seem like his bad actions didn't happen.
Some activists protested and signed a petition against it.
However, the government explained that they give this award every year to people who helped the country grow.
Suharto was one of ten people who received the honor this year, and his family feels his past help should be remembered.
The current president, who is Suharto's former son-in-law, presented the award.
Indonesia posthumously awarded the title of 'national hero' to former President Suharto, sparking protests.
President Prabowo Subianto, Suharto's former son-in-law, presided over the ceremony where the award was conferred.
Suharto's three-decade rule (1967-1998) was marked by accusations of mass human rights violations, corruption, and nepotism.
Protesters and activists argue the award disrespects victims, distorts history, and attempts to whitewash Suharto's alleged wrongdoings.
The government defended the decision, stating it honors individuals who made significant contributions to the nation's development.
- Who
- Late Indonesian President Suharto, President Prabowo Subianto, protesters, activists, NGOs, victims' families, Suharto's children
- What
- The Indonesian government posthumously awarded the title of national hero to late President Suharto, leading to protests and outrage due to his legacy of alleged human rights abuses and corruption.
- When
- Monday, November 10, 2025
- Where
- Indonesia
- Why
- The government stated that Suharto, among others, was honored for his significant contributions to the nation's development and struggle for independence. Critics argue the decision disrespects victims and attempts to whitewash historical crimes.
Protesters, Activists, NGOs, Victims' Families
Indonesian Government and Suharto's Family
Suharto's Legacy and Human Rights Record
Protesters, Activists, NGOs, Victims' Families
Protesters, activists, and NGOs argue that awarding Suharto the title of national hero is immoral, distorts history, and disregards past struggles against his authoritarian regime, which was marked by alleged mass human rights violations, corruption, and nepotism. They believe this decision whitewashes his 'sins' and denies justice to victims.
Indonesian Government and Suharto's Family
The government cited Suharto's significant contributions to the nation's development and struggle for independence. Suharto's family believes his contributions from a young age should be remembered.
The Appropriateness of the Honor
Protesters, Activists, NGOs, Victims' Families
Critics, including Amnesty International Indonesia, find it absurd and a blatant whitewashing of historical crimes to honor a leader responsible for alleged atrocities. They state the decision ignores the aspirations of civil society and victims demanding justice.
Indonesian Government and Suharto's Family
The government annually awards the title of national hero to individuals who have made significant contributions to Indonesia's development. Suharto was one of 10 individuals receiving the title this year.
- Suharto's Rule
- 1967-1998 (three decades)
- Date of Award
- Monday, November 10, 2025
- Awarding Authority
- President Prabowo Subianto
- Total New Heroes Awarded
- 10
- Suharto's Death Year
- 2008
- Protest Size (Jakarta)
- Around 100 people last week
- Online Petition Signatures
- Nearly 16,000
Sources
Indonesia set to grant national hero status to late strongman President Suharto
Indonesia grants national hero status to late strongman President Suharto
Factbox-Who was Suharto, Indonesia’s newest ‘national hero’?
Indonesia adds former President Suharto to national heroes list, faces backlash
