JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesia declared the former dictator Suharto a national hero on Monday, provoking outrage from rights group who said the move was an attempt to whitewash decades of human rights abuses and corruption that took place during his 32 years in power.

Suharto was a U.S. ally during the Cold War who presided over decades of authoritarian rule, during which up to a million political opponents were killed, until he was toppled by protests in 1998.

He was one of 10 people recognized by President Prabowo Subianto in a televised ceremony held at the presidential palace in Jakarta to mark National Hero Day.

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon said that Suharto played a key role during the struggle for independence against its Dutch colonial rulers, and later served as commander

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