Indonesia Awards Suharto National Hero Status Amid Global Backlash

Indonesia has awarded former authoritarian leader Suharto the title of national hero, in a move that has sparked accusations of historical revisionism in the world's third-largest democracy. The award was conferred in a ceremony on Monday morning presided over by President Prabowo Subianto, Suharto's ex-son-in-law, despite protests by pro-democracy activists and the families of those affected by the strongman's iron-fisted rule. The decision has been met with widespread criticism from human rights groups and opposition parties, who argue that Suharto's legacy is tainted by rampant corruption, censorship, and accusations of mass human rights violations during his three-decade rule. "This is a slap in the face to the victims of Suharto's regime," said Andreas Harsono, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch. "It's a clear attempt to whitewash his legacy and erase the suffering of millions of Indonesians." Suharto's rule, which lasted from 1966 until his ouster in 1998, was marked by a culture of cronyism and nepotism, with his family members and allies accumulating vast wealth and power. The regime was also notorious for its suppression of dissent and opposition, with thousands of people arrested, tortured, and killed for speaking out against the government. The move has sparked concerns about the direction of Indonesian politics and the country's commitment to democratic values. "This decision undermines the progress we've made in promoting democracy and human rights in Indonesia," said Andreas Marpaung, a member of the opposition party, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle. "It sends a message that those who committed atrocities in the past can be celebrated as heroes." The award has also been seen as a personal victory for President Prabowo Subianto, who has been accused of human rights abuses during his own military career. Subianto has denied any wrongdoing and has sought to distance himself from his past, but critics argue that the award is a clear attempt to rehabilitate his image. The ceremony was attended by Suharto's family members, including his daughter, Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana, who received a plaque from President Subianto. The move has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many Indonesians expressing their disgust and disappointment at the decision. As the controversy continues to unfold, human rights groups and opposition parties are calling for the government to reconsider the award and instead focus on promoting accountability and justice for the victims of Suharto's regime. "We urge the government to revoke this decision and instead work towards truth and reconciliation," said Harsono. "This is a chance for Indonesia to make amends for its past and move forward towards a more just and equitable society."