Who was Suharto, Indonesia’s newest ‘national hero’?

Former Indonesian president Suharto was recently named a national hero by the government, a move that has stirred up controversy among activists. Suharto, who served as the country’s second president, was known for his strongman tactics and ruled Indonesia for 32 years. However, his reign came to an end amidst mass protests and riots during the Asian financial crisis in 1998. Suharto passed away in 2008 at the age of 87.
Suharto’s rise to power occurred in 1967 when he took over control of Indonesia from the first president, Sukarno. During this period, there was a military-led purge of communists, resulting in the deaths of approximately 500,000 people. Although Suharto’s involvement was never definitively proven, he played a pivotal role during this tumultuous time in Indonesian history. As a staunch anti-communist, Suharto enjoyed support from Western countries, particularly the United States, which quietly approved Indonesia’s invasion of East Timor in 1975.
Throughout his three-decade rule, Suharto oversaw significant economic growth and political stability in Indonesia. However, his leadership was also characterized by severe human rights violations, censorship, and military crackdowns on dissidents and separatist movements. Amid allegations of corruption, Suharto and his family were accused of amassing billions of dollars illegally. Despite several attempts to prosecute him for graft, Suharto evaded trial by citing health reasons.
Suharto’s political party, Golkar, continues to be a major player in Indonesian politics, supporting current President Prabowo Subianto. Prabowo, who was once married to Suharto’s daughter, has maintained close ties to the former president’s legacy. Even after Suharto’s passing, his influence lingers through Golkar, which holds key positions in the current government. Suharto’s humble beginnings as a corporal in the Dutch colonial army shaped his journey to becoming a prominent figure in Indonesian history.
The controversial decision to elevate Suharto to the status of ‘national hero’ has ignited debates about his complex legacy in Indonesia. While some view him as a key figure in the country’s development, others condemn his authoritarian rule and human rights abuses. As the Indonesian government grapples with honoring its past leaders, the memory of Suharto continues to evoke strong reactions among the populace.