Indonesia has officially declared former authoritarian president Suharto a “National Hero,” sparking widespread anger across the country due to his legacy of dictatorship and human rights violations. British media outlet BBC News reported the development, highlighting strong objections from activists and intellectuals.

Suharto, who died in 2008, ruled Indonesia with an iron fist for 32 years (1967–1998) under his “New Order” regime. He faces countless allegations of mass atrocities, including the 1965–66 anti-communist purges that killed between 500,000 and 1 million people, widespread corruption, and nepotism that enriched his family with billions of dollars.

On Monday (November 10), during a Heroes’ Day ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Suharto was among 10 individuals posthumously awarded the prestigious title. The list was read aloud by President Prabowo Subianto’s military secretary. Notably, Prabowo is Suharto’s former son-in-law and served as a military officer during his regime.

Suharto’s children—daughter Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana and son Bambang Trihatmodjo—accepted the award on his behalf. In a live-streamed speech, officials praised Suharto for his role in the 1945 independence struggle, particularly leading efforts to seize Japanese weapons in Jakarta.

The nomination process began in October when the Ministry of Social and Cultural Affairs shortlisted nearly 50 candidates. Suharto had been proposed multiple times since 2010 but was previously rejected by earlier governments.

The decision has triggered protests in Jakarta, with demonstrators chanting “Suharto is not a hero, he’s a killer” and “Stop whitewashing history.” Amnesty International Indonesia’s Usman Hamid called it “a distortion of history and an insult to victims of human rights abuses.” Human Rights Watch labeled the move “unjust,” arguing it undermines Indonesia’s democratic reforms.

Critics point out the irony: one of the other honorees is labor activist Marsinah, who was murdered during Suharto’s rule.

While supporters credit Suharto with economic growth, his regime collapsed in 1998 amid financial crisis and mass student protests. This controversial honor is seen by many as an attempt to rehabilitate his image and strengthen military influence under President Prabowo.