President Prabowo Subianto named former president Suharto a national hero during a ceremony at the State Palace in Jakarta on Monday, marking National Hero Day. Suharto was among 10 people honored with the title alongside nine others.</span

Nikkei Asia

The Jakarta Post

President Prabowo Subianto named former president Suharto a national hero during a ceremony at the State Palace in Jakarta on Monday, marking National Hero Day. Suharto was among 10 people honored with the title alongside nine others.

Suharto ruled Indonesia for 32 years from 1967 to 1998 before being forced to step down amid widespread protests during the Asian financial crisis. He died in 2008 at the age of 86 without facing criminal prosecution.</span

ABC News

Suharto ruled Indonesia for 32 years from 1967 to 1998 before being forced to step down amid widespread protests during the Asian financial crisis. He died in 2008 at the age of 86 without facing criminal prosecution.

The National Commission on Human Rights reported in 2003 that 3.1 million people fell victim to gross rights abuses under Suharto's regime. Transparency International ranked him the world's most corrupt leader in 2004.</span

Financial Times

The National Commission on Human Rights reported in 2003 that 3.1 million people fell victim to gross rights abuses under Suharto's regime. Transparency International ranked him the world's most corrupt leader in 2004.

Culture Minister Fadli Zon stated Suharto deserved the hero title for his role in battles against Dutch colonial forces and for economic development achievements. The minister argued no evidence existed of genocide under Suharto's rule.</span

Culture Minister Fadli Zon stated Suharto deserved the hero title for his role in battles against Dutch colonial forces and for economic development achievements. The minister argued no evidence existed of genocide under Suharto's rule.

Human rights groups and activists condemned the decision as historical whitewashing and a betrayal of victims. About 500 civil society members published a letter requesting President Prabowo not proceed with the designation.</span

The Manila Times

Human rights groups and activists condemned the decision as historical whitewashing and a betrayal of victims. About 500 civil society members published a letter requesting President Prabowo not proceed with the designation.

Other recipients of the national hero title included former president Abdurrahman Wahid, known for championing pluralism, and labor activist Marsinah, who was murdered during Suharto's New Order era in 1993.</span

Free Malaysia Today

Other recipients of the national hero title included former president Abdurrahman Wahid, known for championing pluralism, and labor activist Marsinah, who was murdered during Suharto's New Order era in 1993.

Indonesia Names Former Dictator Suharto National Hero

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Indonesia Names Former Dictator Suharto National Hero

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