Indonesia Honors Late President Suharto with National Hero Status

Indonesia awarded the title of national hero on Monday to the late President Suharto, who was forced out of office in 1998 by violent protests that ended a three-decade rule marred by accusations of mass human rights violations, corruption and nepotism. The title was conferred in a ceremony overseen by President Prabowo Subianto, Suharto’s former son-in-law, despite protests by pro-democracy activists and the families of those affected by the strongman’s iron-fisted rule. Prabowo took office one year ago. ‘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.