"President Soeharto qualifies, President Abdurrahman Wahid qualifies, labor activist Marsinah qualifies, and Syaikhona Kholil also qualifies," he said in Jakarta on Sunday.
He added that many more figures from various provinces have been proposed to the central government to receive the National Hero title.
"There are many; we just have to wait and see who will receive the title this year," he said.
According to the minister, the announcement of National Heroes will be made soon, and the entire selection process has been carried out in stages, from the regional to the national level.
"Whoever is announced by the President of the Republic of Indonesia has already been declared qualified," he said.
Yusuf also encouraged the public to remember the good deeds of the nation’s predecessors while learning from their shortcomings to prevent similar mistakes in the future.
"Let’s remember the good things," he remarked.
Regarding public opposition to the proposal to name former president Soeharto a National Hero, Yusuf, popularly known as Gus Ipul, said that such reactions are part of the process and dynamics surrounding the decision.
"Let’s wait a little longer," he said.
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Translator: Mario Sofia Nasution, Yoanita Hastryka Djohan
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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