Indonesia has awarded ex-strongman ruler Suharto the designation of national icon, through a decision that has provoked claims of rewriting history in the globe's number three democratic state.
The recognition has deepened apprehensions about attempts to whitewash Suharto’s climb to power and many years in power, a period defined by pervasive dishonesty, information control and allegations of mass human rights violations.
The title was bestowed in a ceremony on Monday morning led by President Prabowo, Suharto’s one-time relative by marriage, in spite of demonstrations by pro-democracy activists and the loved ones of those impacted by the strongman’s harsh leadership.
“A well-known individual from the province of Central Java, a champion of the struggle for independence, Suharto stood out since the era of independence,” a presenter said as the President presented the honor to Suharto’s children.
The nation gained independence in 1945 from the colonial authorities Netherlands and Japan.
The former leader, who governed the nation for over thirty years, was forced from power amid large-scale demonstrations and deadly riots during an financial downturn in 1998. He died in 2006 aged 86.
Subianto, who wed and then separated from Suharto’s daughter Siti Hediati Hariyadi, has in the past openly praised his former father-in-law, and himself drawn criticism for the increasing prominence of the army in civilian life since he assumed office last year.
President Prabowo, a ex-commando chief, was removed from the armed forces the same year his father-in-law was removed, amid allegations he was involved in the abduction of democracy campaigners. The president has repeatedly rejected wrongdoing in relation to the accusations.
Justifying the bestowal of hero status on Suharto, Indonesia’s minister of culture, Minister Zon, said he was eligible for the award because of the military operations he was involved in, including opposing the Dutch in 1949. He rejected that Suharto was involved in the slaughter of at least half a million alleged communists in 1965-66.
But local campaigners have described the elevation of Suharto as shocking.
“How could the figure primarily accountable for one of the worst mass killings in history, when he seized power, be made a hero of the nation? It’s utterly absurd,” said Usman Hamid of Amnesty International Indonesia.
“It is a blatant glossing over of bygone wrongdoings. This verdict overlooks the desires of the public, including survivors of human rights violations who persist in calling for justice.”
The administration did not immediately provide comment to these claims.
Talk of declaring Suharto a hero of the nation has also provoked rallies in the capital, where in the last several days protesters have assembled near the presidential palace displaying signs saying “Halt the revisionism of the commander of slaughter” and “Numerous lives were lost but the nation decided to ignore”.
