Nawir Arsyad Akbar, Jakarta – Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) Impunity Monitoring Division Head Jane Rosalina has revealed that 30 international institutions have rejected giving the 2nd president of the Republic of Indonesia the title of national hero.
This rejection was in the form of a joint statement signed by 30 international institutions that do not agree with Suharto being declared a national hero.
"We also received support from the international community to reject the title of hero for Suharto in the form of a joint statement that has been signed. At least 30 international institutions have signed it and we have also submitted it", said Rosalina when meeting with Social Affairs Minister (Mensos) Saifullah Yusuf at the Ministry of Social Affairs Office on Thursday May 15.
Kontras, which is part of the Civil Society Movement to Bring Suharto to Justice (Gemas), submitted three documents with the Minister of Social Affairs (Kemensos). The documents contain legal references and arguments for rejecting the proposal for Suharto to receive the title of national hero.
"We hope that rejections to the proposal from public can also be considered", said Rosalina.
During the meeting, Yusuf was open to input from the public regarding the proposal for Suharto to receive the title of national hero. He said that his team consisting of academics, historians and community leaders would definitely consider all opinions received.
"The Ministry of Social Affairs receives input through normal procedures, from the public to local governments and finally to the central [government]", said Yusuf.
As has been reported, the proposal for Suharto to be named a national hero came from the Ministry of Social Affairs together with the Central Titles Research and Assessment Team (TP2GP).
Several other names have also been proposed to receive the title of national hero including KH Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid (East Java), Sansuri (East Java), Idrus bin Salim Al-Jufri (Central Sulawesi), Teuku Abdul Hamid Azwar (Aceh) and K.H. Abbas Abdul Jamil (West Java).
Then, four new names were proposed this year besides Suharto, namely Anak Agung Gede Anom Mudita (Bali), Deman Tende (West Sulawesi), Prof. Dr. Midian Sirait (North Sumatra) and K.H. Yusuf Hasim (East Java).
- Activists submit documents rejecting Suharto being named national hero. Kompas.com – May 15, 2025
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Kontras: 30 Lembaga Internasional Tolak Soeharto Jadi Pahlawan Nasional".]
