November 3, 2025 | 05:16 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian civil society groups are preparing to protest the government’s plan to award the title of national hero to former president Soeharto, whose three-decade rule was marked by authoritarianism, corruption, and widespread human rights abuses.
The demonstration, led by the Civil Society Movement to Judge Soeharto (Gemas), will take place in front of the Ministry of Culture office in Jakarta on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
Several survivors and families of victims of violence from Soeharto’s New Order regime are expected to join the protest.
“The protest will involve various elements of society, not only civil society groups and students but also families of victims from the New Order era,” said Gemas representative Andri Yunus in Kwitang, Central Jakarta, on Monday, November 3, 2025.
The demonstration will also target Minister of Culture Fadli Zon, who chairs the Council of Titles, Honors, and Merits, the body responsible for recommending national hero candidates, including Soeharto, to the president.
Andri said the Gemas alliance has repeatedly urged Fadli to withdraw Soeharto’s name from consideration, arguing that his record during his presidency disqualifies him from such recognition.
“With all the negative legacies and violations that occurred under his leadership, Soeharto is not worthy of being called a national hero,” Andri said.
According to the organizers, Thursday’s protest will begin at around 10:00 AM Western Indonesia Time.
Afterward, participants plan to join the weekly Kamisan rally, which will also voice opposition to the proposal in front of the Presidential Palace.
Earlier, State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi confirmed that the Palace had received a list of proposed national hero candidates from the Ministry of Social Affairs, including Soeharto.
The list is currently under review by the Council of Titles and the president, with final announcements expected before Heroes’ Day on November 10.
Prasetyo said the evaluation process is ongoing and that the number of proposed names has not been disclosed.
“Please be patient. Once the president makes a decision, it will be announced. There’s no fixed limit on the number of honorees,” he said.
Council chair Fadli Zon confirmed that discussions on the final list would take place soon.
“The decision on national heroes is traditionally made ahead of Heroes’ Day, so the results will be submitted to the president before November 10,” Fadli said.
Eka Yudha Saputra contributed to the writing of this article.
Editor’s Choice: Palace Considers Soeharto as National Hero, Final Decision by November 10
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