"The award, decided by President Prabowo Subianto, Soeharto's former son-in-law, has stirred criticism among activists and academics who cite the deceased military leader's record of mass human rights violations, corruption and nepotism during his three-decade rule. The award at the National Hero Day ceremony means that Soeharto shares the honour with a list of more than 200 people, including Sukarno, leader of Indonesia's independence movement and the country's first democratically elected president."
"A prominent figure from Central Java province, a hero of the struggle for independence, General Soeharto stood out since the independence era, said the presidential military secretary, as Prabowo handed the award to Soeharto's daughter, Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana, and son, Bambang Trihatmodjo. A large portrait of the late President Soeharto hangs on the wall of the State Palace during a ceremony awarding national hero title to 10 figures, including the former strongman, in Jakarta, Indonesia, November 10, 2025 (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)"
President Prabowo Subianto named former president Soeharto a national hero, placing him among ten honorees and more than 200 figures recognized for national contributions. Activists and academics condemned the award, citing Soeharto's record of mass human rights violations, corruption and nepotism during his three-decade rule and calling the decision a betrayal of victims and democratic principles. The ceremony included Prabowo handing the award to Soeharto's daughter Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana and son Bambang Trihatmodjo, and a large portrait of Soeharto was displayed at the State Palace. Soeharto seized power in 1967 and used the military to dominate civilian affairs and crush dissent.
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