Indonesia Honors Suharto as National Hero Amid Controversy

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Indonesia has officially named former president Suharto a national hero, a decision that has sparked heated protests and division across the country. The move comes despite the contentious legacy of Suharto’s rule, which was marked by both rapid economic growth and widespread human rights violations.

Suharto’s Mixed Legacy

Suharto, who ruled Indonesia for over three decades from the 1960s to 1990s, is remembered by many for his role in transforming Indonesia’s economy. Under his leadership, the nation saw an era of unprecedented economic development, with GDP growth averaging 7% annually and inflation falling dramatically. However, his authoritarian regime was also marked by violent political repression, including the 1965 anti-communist purge that resulted in the deaths of at least half a million people, and a brutal occupation of East Timor in the 1970s.

The national hero title is typically awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to Indonesia’s independence or development. On Monday, Suharto was one of 10 new names added to the prestigious list during a ceremony at the State Palace in Jakarta. The ceremony was presided over by current President Prabowo Subianto, who is also Suharto’s former son-in-law.

Protests and Public Outcry

While the award is meant to honor Suharto’s role in the nation’s history, it has been met with significant opposition from civil society groups and human rights organizations. Protests erupted last week in Jakarta, where approximately 100 demonstrators rallied against Suharto’s nomination. An online petition calling for the revocation of the national hero status has garnered nearly 16,000 signatures.

The Indonesian chapter of Amnesty International condemned the decision, accusing the government of attempting to “whitewash” Suharto’s authoritarian past. In a statement, the organization argued that awarding Suharto the hero title would be a “distortion of history,” downplaying the severe human rights abuses that occurred during his regime.

A Divisive Political Figure

The awarding of the national hero title to Suharto is especially controversial because of the person who presented it: President Prabowo Subianto. The former military general’s own human rights record has been the subject of scrutiny. Prabowo, who was accused of war crimes and human rights violations during Suharto’s rule, was involved in the forced disappearances and torture of pro-democracy activists in the late 1990s. Prabowo’s administration has also faced accusations of attempting to rewrite Indonesia’s historical narrative, including publishing textbooks that critics say downplay the atrocities of Suharto’s era.

The “Father of Development” and Corruption Scandals

Despite the ongoing protests and the dark chapters of his rule, Suharto’s supporters point to his economic achievements as justification for the honor. Suharto presided over Indonesia’s rise as Southeast Asia’s largest economy, overseeing infrastructural development and modernization. His tenure also saw the creation of millions of jobs and improved standards of living for many Indonesians.

Yet, Suharto’s legacy is also stained by massive corruption. It is widely believed that he embezzled billions of dollars during his rule, amassing personal wealth while many Indonesians remained in poverty. He was nicknamed “Bapak Pembangunan”, or the “Father of Development,” but his administration was also accused of cultivating a corrupt system that benefited his family and close allies.

In 1998, amid widespread protests and an economic crisis, Suharto was forced to step down. His resignation allowed for a relatively peaceful transition to democracy, though many view it as an act of political survival rather than a selfless sacrifice for the nation.

Ongoing Debate on Suharto’s Legacy

The debate over Suharto’s legacy remains unresolved in Indonesia today. His supporters continue to call for his recognition as a national hero, believing that the positive aspects of his rule should be celebrated. However, many others feel that honoring him fails to acknowledge the suffering experienced under his regime, particularly the victims of violence and repression.

Suharto’s passing in 2008 at the age of 86 did little to quiet the debate. For over a decade, calls to officially designate him a national hero have been met with resistance due to his controversial history. With the rise of Prabowo to the presidency, Suharto’s supporters have gained a new platform, but the divide within Indonesian society remains deep.