Eka Yudha Saputra, Jakarta – The Alliance of the Students Executive Board of the University of Indonesia (BEM UI Alliance) rejects the bestowal of the title of national hero on the 2nd President, Soeharto. Brevka Noufalio, the Vice Chair of BEM UI representing the Alliance of BEM UI, stated that the rejection reflects the Alliance's commitment to the values of truth, justice, and humanity.
"We reject and demand the revocation of all forms of honorary titles, including the bestowal of the national hero title to Soeharto, because it contradicts the principles of justice, humanity, and the values of reformation," said Brevka in a written statement on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
The Alliance of BEM UI also opposes any form of historical manipulation and glorification of human rights violators. Brevka urged the government and state institutions to fulfill their moral and historical responsibilities by ensuring that authoritarian regimes are neither glorified nor repeated.
"We call on all elements of society, especially the youth, to safeguard the legacy of reformation, uphold the truth of history, and fight against any distortion of narratives that betray the people's struggle," said Brevka.
This year, during the administration of Prabowo Subianto, Soeharto was bestowed the title of national hero. Prabowo was once Soeharto's son-in-law.
The proclamation of the national hero title was read by the President's Military Secretary, Wahyu Yudhayana, at the State Palace on Monday, November 10, 2025. A total of 10 names were conferred the title of national hero in 2025. They are Soeharto; the 4th President, Abdurrahman Wahid, a labor activist who was killed during the New Order era, Marsinah; former Minister of Justice, Mochtar Kusumaatmadja; the founder of the first Islamic women's religious school in Indonesia, and Rahmah El Yunusiyyah.
Furthermore, the former Commander of the Army Special Forces Command (RPKAD), Sarwo Edhie Wibowo; King Bima XIV, West Nusa Tenggara; Sultan Muhammad Salahuddin; cleric from Bangkalan, East Java; Syaikhona Muhammad Kholil; the 14th King of the Great Kingdom of Simalungun, North Sumatra, Tuan Rondahaim Saragih Garingging; and the King of Tidore, Sultan Zainal Abidin Syah.
In the Presidential Decree on the Designation of National Heroes 2025, Soeharto was considered to have contributed to the independence struggle. The New Order ruler was deemed to have contributed as the deputy commander of the People's Security Agency (BKR) in Yogyakarta and led the disarmament of Japanese troops in Kotabaru, Yogyakarta, in 1945.
Brevka Noufalio stated that the bestowal of the national hero title on Soeharto is a betrayal of history and the suffering of the Indonesian people during the New Order era. "Soeharto does not reflect the values of heroism," said Brevka.
Under Article 2 of Law Number 20 of 2009 concerning Titles, Awards, and Honorary Titles, the national hero title is granted in accordance with several principles, including humanity and justice. Furthermore, Article 25 of Law Number 20 of 2009 stipulates that a person may be awarded the title of national hero if they meet certain criteria, including moral integrity and exemplary behavior.
"With these principles and criteria, Soeharto is not deserving of the national hero title," said Brevka.
Brevka stated that during his reign, Soeharto led a regime that oppressed, restrained, and sacrificed the people. Additionally, she said, Soeharto perpetuated the practices of corruption, collusion, and nepotism (KKN).
She also mentioned various human rights violations during the New Order era, ranging from political violence after the 1965 event, mysterious shootings (Petrus) from 1982-1985, to the kidnapping and enforced disappearance of pro-democracy activists in 1998.
– Hendrik Yaputra contributed to the writing of this article