November 10, 2025 | 06:10 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto bestows former President Soeharto with the title of national hero at the National Hero Title Bestowal Ceremony at the State Palace, Central Jakarta, on Monday, November 10, 2025. Apart from his former father-in-law, Prabowo also declares nine other figures as national heroes.
Military Secretary Brigadier General Wahyu Yudhayana read out the Presidential Decree (Keppres) Number 116/TK/Year 2025 on the Bestowal of the National Hero Title. State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi explained that the titles are given as a form of tribute to past leaders who have made great contributions to the nation. "How we honor our predecessors, especially leaders, who undoubtedly have extraordinary contributions to the nation and the state," said Prasetyo.
A former soldier and president for 32 years, Soeharto left a long trail of legacy in Indonesian history, from records of human rights violations to major corruption cases. Here is a look at his track record.
Crackdown on Perceived G 30 S 'Communists'
Soeharto, while serving as the Commander of the Army Strategic Reserve Command (Pangkostrad), marshalled an operation that was aimed at crushing what is famously described as the G 30 S Movement, or the September 30, 1965 Movement. Blamed on the now-defunct Indonesian Communist Party, the movement killed several high-ranking military (TNI) personnel who were accused of planning a coup.
Following the incident, Indonesian authorities carried out mass arrests, torture, killings, and forced labor on anyone perceived to be linked to the communist party or communism. Various studies estimated the death toll of the Soeharto-led crackdown to be between 1.5 and 3 million people.
Indonesia's National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has declared the 1965-1966 tragedy a gross violation of human rights.
A Slew of Human Rights Violations in the New Order Regime
Former Indonesian President Joko Widodo, on January 11, 2023, acknowledged 12 grave human rights violations in the country's past. "With a clear mind and sincere heart, I, as Head of State of the Republic of Indonesia, acknowledge that gross violations of human rights did occur in various incidents," said Jokowi at the State Palace.
Of these 12 incidents, seven occurred during Soeharto's reign, namely the mysterious shootings (petrus) (1982-1985), the Talangsari incident in Lampung (1989), the Rumoh Geudong and Pos Sattis incidents in Aceh (1989), enforced disappearances (1997-1998), the May riots (1998), the Trisakti and Semanggi I-II tragedies (1998-1999), and the shaman killings (1998-1999).
Alleged Corruption
The Attorney General's Office designated Soeharto as a suspect in a corruption case on August 3, 2000. He was suspected of abusing state power and wealth for personal gain. Soeharto was involved in the misuse of funds from seven social foundations under his leadership, with a value reaching Rp1.7 trillion and US$419 million during the period 1978-1998.
The 1997 monetary crisis and large-scale protests demanding reform highlighted the practices of corruption, collusion, and nepotism during his administration. Based on the MPR Decree Number XI of 1998, the Attorney General's Office sued Soeharto for Rp11.5 trillion for alleged deviations in the Supersemar Foundation funds.
The case went to trial at the South Jakarta District Court, but Soeharto was never brought to justice, citing health reasons. Attorney General Abdul Rahman Saleh eventually issued a Decree to Terminate Prosecution (SKP3) on May 11, 2006.
Editor’s Choice: Minister Fadli Zon Claims Former President Soeharto Was Not Involved in Corruption and Rights Violations
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