Fury as Indonesia declares late authoritarian ruler Suharto a national hero

"Indonesia has awarded former authoritarian leader Suharto the title of national hero, in a move that has sparked accusations of historical revisionism in the world's third-largest democracy. The award has deepened fears about attempts to whitewash Suharto's rise and decades-long rule, a period marked by rampant corruption, censorship and accusations of mass human rights violations. The title was conferred in a ceremony on Monday morning presided over by President Prabowo Subianto,"

"A prominent figure from Central Java province, a hero of the struggle for independence, General Suharto stood out since the independence era, an announcer said as Prabowo handed the award to Suharto's daughter and son. Indonesia gained independence in 1945 from then colonial powers Netherlands and Japan. Suharto, who ruled Indonesia for more than three decades, was forced from power amid mass protests and deadly riots during an economic crisis in 1998."

"Prabowo, who married and later divorced Suharto's daughter Siti Hediati Hariyadi, has in the past openly praised his former father-in-law, and himself drawn criticism for the increasing prominence of the military in civilian life since he assumed office last year. The Indonesian president, a former special forces commander, was dismissed from the military the same year his father-in-law was toppled, amid accusations he was involved in the abduction of pro-democracy activists. Prabowo has always denied wrongdoing in relation to the claims."

Indonesia conferred national hero status on former President Suharto, provoking accusations of historical revisionism and protests from pro-democracy activists and victims' families. The award ceremony was presided over by President Prabowo Subianto, Suharto's ex-son-in-law. Suharto rose to prominence during the independence era and later ruled for more than three decades amid widespread corruption, censorship and mass human rights abuses before being ousted during 1998 protests and riots. Prabowo has praised Suharto and faced past accusations of involvement in activist abductions, which he denies. Culture Minister Fadli Zon defended the decision, citing Suharto's military service and denying involvement in the 1965-66 massacres.

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