Indonesia has sparked fury and accusations of historical revisionism after declaring the late authoritarian ruler Suharto a national hero. Suharto ruled the nation with an iron fist for over three decades until 1998, a period notorious for rampant corruption, censorship, and widespread accusations of mass human rights violations. The award was conferred in a ceremony presided over by current President Prabowo Subianto, Suharto’s ex-son-in-law.

This decision has been met with significant opposition from activists who call it an "utterly absurd" move and a "blatant whitewashing of historical crimes". Pro-democracy groups emphasize that Suharto was responsible for one of history’s greatest genocides, referring to the massacre of at least half a million suspected communists in 1965-66. Conversely, supporters note his role as a prominent figure in the struggle for independence and his legacy as the "father of development" (Bapak Pembangunan), during which Indonesia saw rapid economic growth.

Join us as we explore the contentious legacy of General Suharto and analyze why this award deepens fears about attempts to distort history in the world’s third-largest democracy.


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