Jakarta: In a move that has ignited national debate and stirred long-buried emotions, the Indonesian government has decided to grant the title of “National Hero” to its late former president, Suharto, a figure both celebrated for economic progress and condemned for authoritarian rule and human rights abuses. The announcement, made official on Monday, marks a watershed moment in Indonesia’s evolving relationship with its own turbulent past.

President Prabowo Subianto, who presided over the ceremony in Jakarta, declared that Suharto would be included among ten prominent individuals honored as national heroes this year. The event was attended by Suharto’s children, who accepted the honor on his behalf. Indonesia’s Ministry of Political, Legal, and Security Affairs justified the decision by

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