Jakarta – Whether the late former president Soeharto deserves to be named a national hero should be left to the public to decide, says his youngest son, Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra.

"(Our family) can't make the nomination to the government," he said Monday after attending the launch in Yogyakarta of the book Soeharto, the Great General from Kemusuk. "It's the public who has the right to do it."

Soeharto, who died in 2008 aged 87, remains a controversial figure. He is remembered both for his key role in the war for independence, and his 32-year authoritarian rule blamed for rights abuses, corruption and state-sanctioned murders.

The book launch was held at the Jogja Kembali Monument, dedicated to Soeharto for recapturing Yogyakarta from the Dutch colonial forces on March 1, 1949. The monument was built during his presidency.

Also in attendance at the book launch were other independence fighters, including Soekotjo, Kunto Wibisono and Des Alwi.