Jakarta, *NOW Online*

Amnesty International Indonesia Director Usman Hamid criticized the government’s plan to award the title of National Hero to the 2nd President of the Republic of Indonesia, Soeharto. He said this step was not only controversial, but also had the potential to blur the line between truth and evil in the nation’s history.

Concerns Rise as Proposal to Honor Suharto Sparks Fears of Reform Era’s End

A proposal to grant the title of national hero to former President Suharto is facing strong opposition, with critics warning it could signify the end of Indonesia’s reform era. Usman, a prominent voice in the debate, emphasized that Suharto’s downfall stemmed directly from widespread public protests demanding political change.

“If this proposal continues, reform has the potential to end up in the hands of the Prabowo government,” Usman stated. “Suharto fell as a result of public protests which gave birth to reform. Therefore, awarding Suharto the title of national hero can be seen as the end of reform itself.”

The concerns highlight a deep-seated fear that honoring Suharto would undermine the progress made since his ouster and perhaps reverse the democratic gains achieved through important public struggle.

Suharto Hero Proposal Draws Criticism

Usman reminded that during his 32 years in power, Suharto led with an authoritarian style that silenced criticism and curbed people’s freedom.

In his opinion, proposing Suharto’s name as a hero would be the same as erasing the suffering of victims of human rights violations during the New Order era.

“Proposing Suharto as a hero means ignoring the suffering of the victims and their families,” he stated.

Usman Criticizes Government’s Approach to Human Rights

Usman believes that the government should focus on resolving cases of past human rights violations, not giving awards to the figures responsible for the humanitarian tragedy.

“The government is attempting to whitewash the past by honoring individuals implicated in serious abuses,” Usman stated.”True reconciliation requires accountability, justice, and reparations for victims, not accolades for perpetrators.”

He further argued that such actions undermine the credibility of ongoing efforts to promote human rights and the rule of law. “This sends a hazardous message that those responsible for atrocities can escape justice and even be rewarded for their actions,” he explained.”It is a betrayal of the victims and a disservice to the principles of justice.”

Usman called for a complete inquiry into the alleged human rights violations and urged the government to prioritize the needs of the victims and their families. He emphasized the importance of establishing autonomous mechanisms to ensure accountability and prevent future abuses. He referenced the Global Declaration of Human Rights as a foundational document for these principles.

Several human rights organizations, including Human Rights watch and Amnesty International, have echoed Usman’s concerns, calling for greater transparency and accountability in addressing past human rights abuses. They argue that honoring alleged perpetrators hinders the process of national healing and reconciliation.

The government has yet to respond directly to Usman’s criticism, but a spokesperson stated that the awards were intended to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to national advancement.