Indonesia has awarded ex-strongman ruler Suharto the designation of hero of the nation, in a move that has ignited allegations of altering the past in the globe's number three democratic state.
The award has intensified fears about efforts to gloss over Suharto’s climb to power and many years in power, a time marked by widespread graft, media suppression and accusations of extensive infringements on human rights.
The designation was conferred in a ritual on Monday morning overseen by President Subianto, Suharto’s ex-son-in-law, in spite of protests by pro-democracy activists and the loved ones of those impacted by the ruler's harsh leadership.
“A prominent figure from Central Java, a hero of the fight for freedom, General Suharto was distinguished since the era of independence,” an announcer said as the President handed the award to Suharto’s children.
Indonesia achieved freedom in 1945 from former colonial rulers Netherlands and Japan.
The autocrat, who led the country for several decades, was removed from office amid large-scale demonstrations and fatal unrest during an financial downturn in 1998. He died in 2006 aged 86.
Subianto, who wed and then separated from Suharto’s daughter Hariyadi, has in the past frequently commended his one-time relative, and himself drawn criticism for the growing influence of the armed forces in society since he became president last year.
The Indonesian president, a one-time special ops leader, was expelled from the army the same year his wife's father was overthrown, amid accusations he was connected to the disappearances of rights advocates. Prabowo has repeatedly rejected improper actions in relation to the allegations.
Supporting the conferral of national hero title on Suharto, Indonesia’s cultural affairs head, Minister Zon, said the former leader was worthy of the recognition because of the army missions he was participated in, including fighting against the Holland in 1949. He rejected that Suharto was involved in the slaughter of at least 500,000 suspected Communists in 1965-66.
But Indonesian activists have called the promotion of Suharto as shocking.
“How could the man chiefly culpable for one of history’s greatest genocides, when he assumed leadership, be made a national hero? It’s utterly absurd,” said Hamid of Amnesty International Indonesia.
“It is a flagrant covering up of past atrocities. This choice disregards the aspirations of the public, including those affected of infringements on rights who continue to demand justice.”
Officials did not promptly issue a statement to these allegations.
Discussions of designating Suharto a hero of the nation has also sparked protests in the capital, where in the past few days activists have assembled near the leader's office carrying banners saying “Stop the whitewashing of the commander of slaughter” and “Numerous lives were lost but the country chose to forget”.