But some scholars argue that Suharto – who died in 2008 at the age of 86 – meets the formal requirements to be conferred the title of national hero.
University of Gadjah Mada historian Agus Suwignyo said the former president played a key role in Indonesia’s fight for independence, notably by leading the 1949 General Offensive that took back Yogyakarta, and overseeing the 1962 effort to regain control of West Papua.
“Suharto fits the formal criteria, but the full historical context must be considered,” Agus said, as quoted by Jakarta Globe.
Under the Social Affairs Ministerial Regulation No. 15 of 2012 concerning the Proposal for the Conferment of the Title of National Hero, a person who is nominated for the title must fulfil several general and specific requirements. Some criteria that must be fulfilled include making a real contribution as a leader or fighter and never betraying the nation, Tempo reported.
However, historian Agus warned against viewing history in black and white.
“You can’t ignore his role in independence, but you also can’t ignore controversies, around 1965, ” he said, referring to Suharto’s rise to power that was marked by the deadly anti-communist purges.
Amid the controversy, Minister of State Secretariat and presidential spokesperson Prasetyo Hadi has also weighed in.
“It is only appropriate for us to show respect to our former presidents. Let’s not constantly dwell on their flaws, let’s acknowledge their achievements,” he told reporters at the Presidential Palace on Monday, as quoted by Tempo.
On Suharto’s corruption, Prasetyo said that there is no perfect leader.
This is not the first time Indonesia has considered naming Suharto a national hero. Since 2010, his name has been regularly seen on the list of national hero nominees from Central Java, the Jakarta Post reported.
Suharto’s second daughter Siti Hediati Hariyadi, also known as Titiek Soeharto, has welcomed the proposal this year to confer the title on her late father.
Titiek, who is the former wife of current President Prabowo Subianto, said that the family has never actively lobbied for the title despite the topic frequently surfacing in public discourse around National Heroes Day on Nov 10.
“It comes up every year. Whether or not it happens, he remains a hero (to) us,” she said, as quoted by Jakarta Globe.
She also expressed hope it would finally materialise under Prabowo’s administration.
The Social Affairs Ministry has received 10 nominations so far, including late former president Abdurrahman Wahid, also known as Gus Dur.
Individuals who have been conferred the title include Indonesia’s first president Sukarno and his vice-president Mohammed Hatta.
