Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — President Prabowo Subianto on Monday (November 10) awarded the title of National Hero to ten prominent Indonesian figures from various regions during a ceremony at the State Palace in Jakarta, marking the country’s 2025 Heroes Day commemoration.
The honors were conferred under Presidential Decree No. 116/TK/2025 on the Designation of National Heroes.
The recipients were selected from 49 nominees proposed this year, according to Fadli Zon, head of the Council for Titles, Honors, and Decorations. He said 40 of the names were new nominations, while nine were carried over from last year.
Family members representing each honoree attended the ceremony to receive the awards on their behalf.
Among the ten recipients were two former Indonesian presidents Suharto, the country’s second president, and Abdurrahman Wahid, widely known as Gus Dur, who served as the fourth president.
Suharto was honored for his contributions in the fields of armed struggle and politics, recognized for his prominent role during Indonesia’s early independence period. His designation, however, has sparked debate, given the controversial aspects of his three-decade rule.
Minister of Culture Fadli Zon said Suharto was deemed eligible for the title based on his involvement in key military operations, including campaigns against Dutch forces during Indonesia’s fight for independence.
Gus Dur, meanwhile, was recognized for his contributions to political reform and Islamic education.
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The full list of 2025 National Heroes includes:
- K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid – Political and Islamic Education Leadership
- General (Ret.) Soeharto – Armed Struggle and Politics
- Marsinah – Social and Humanitarian Activism
- Prof. Dr. Mochtar Kusumaatmadja – Law and Politics
- Hajjah Rahmah El Yunusiyyah – Islamic Education
- General (Ret.) Sarwo Edhie Wibowo – Armed Struggle
- Sultan Muhammad Salahuddin – Education and Diplomacy
- Syaikhona Muhammad Kholil – Islamic Education
- Tuan Rondahaim Saragih – Armed Struggle
- Zainal Abidin Syah – Politics and Diplomacy
The event underscored Indonesia’s continued effort to honor individuals who made lasting contributions to the nation’s independence, education, diplomacy, and social justice.
(Raidi/Agung)
