Jakarta – Soeharto's alleged past crimes, including allowing the deaths of thousands and other human rights abuses, should effectively deny him hero status, a political discussion heard here Tuesday.

"If a president can't convey his messages clearly or is half-blind, then maybe that person has weaknesses, but if he or she allows the death of hundreds of thousands during his tenure, then that person is a criminal," activist-turned politician Budiman Sudjatmiko said.

Also in attendance were Sidarto Danusubroto, an ex-adjutant to former president Sukarno, historian Asvi Warman Adam and House member Sayuti Asyathri. Sayuti said he couldn't find anything that made him want to call Soeharto a hero.

Soeharto died February 27, 2008. Days later, his death sparked a public debate over whether the former dictator deserved formal hero status. (anw)