Indonesian National Hero Awarding Polemic: Soeharto and Gus Dur
Have you heard that two of the late former Indonesian Republic presidents, Soeharto and Gus Dur, are going to be awarded a national hero title? If this is the first time you heard the news, this is something you need to know. The awarding plan seems to stir a new controversy, in particular Soeharto's candidacy here.
The controversy started to arise because some people and parties think that Soeharto had done more 'destruction' than development to this country and nation. This is contrary to the past fact that Soeharto in his lifetime used to be called 'Bapak Pembangunan Indonesia' (Indonesian Development Father). Fadjroel Rohman, an anti-corruption activist, blatantly and firmly opposes the idea even though based on the regulation on national heroes title awarding, Soeharto is eligible enough to nominate. Rohman seemed to be more in favor of Gus Dur's nomination since he acknowledged Gus Dur's significant role in spreading pluralism and democracy in Indonesia but at the same time repeatedly gave reasons why Soeharto ought not to be awarded national hero title. Despite Soeharto's all good deeds, Rohman added, Soeharto was proven to be the corruptest leader (Rohman said the claim was issued by the United Nation's investigation report, not his own groundless accusation).
While Gus Dur's pluralist reputation gave him an advantage to gain support to being a national hero, Soeharto's corrupt notoriety has wiped out all his noble hardwork and dedication to this nation.
So what do you think, should the late president Soeharto get the title or not?