Prabowo confers National Hero titles on Soeharto, nine figures

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto presented the title of National Hero to Soeharto (1921–2008), Indonesia's second president, during a ceremony at the State Palace in Jakarta on Monday.

The title was received by Soeharto’s eldest daughter, Siti Hardijanti Rukmana — popularly known as Tutut — as his heir. According to a live broadcast by the Presidential Secretariat, she was accompanied by her younger brother, Bambang Trihatmodjo.

The conferment was based on Presidential Decree No. 116/TK/2025 on the Awarding of the Title of National Hero. Soeharto was recognized for his contribution in the fields of armed struggle and politics.

As deputy commander of the People's Security Agency (BKR) in Yogyakarta, General Soeharto was credited with leading the disarmament of Japanese troops in Kota Baru in 1945.

Nine other figures were also granted the title of National Hero on National Heroes’ Day 2025. They are:

Abdurrahman Wahid (1940–2009) for political struggle and Islamic education;
Marsinah (1969–1993) for social and humanitarian struggle;
Mochtar Kusumaatmadja (1929–2021) for legal and political struggle;
Rahmah El Yunusiyyah (1900–1969) for Islamic education struggle;
Syaikona Muhammad Kholil (1820–1925) for Islamic education struggle;
Gen. (ret.) Sarwo Edhie Wibowo (1925–1989) for armed struggle;
Tuan Rondahaim Saragih (1828–1891) for armed struggle;
Sultan Muhammad Salahuddin (1889–1951) for educational struggle and diplomacy; and
Zainal Abidin Syah (1912–1967) for political struggle and diplomacy.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of plaques and title certificates to the heirs of the awardees. It was attended by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Cabinet members, and families of the newly honored heroes.

The government expressed hope that the conferment will inspire the younger generation to contribute to national development.

This year's conferment marks the first since November 8, 2023, when then-president Joko Widodo awarded the previous batch of national heroes.

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