MUI Fatwa Division Chairman Asrorun Niam Sholeh stated that every deceased former president deserves recognition as a national hero for their struggles and sacrifices. The statement was made in Jakarta on Wednesday, while urging the nation to unite in honoring past leaders. Similar support came from PBNU Chairman Ahmad Fahrur Rozi for Soeharto and Gus Dur.
Asrorun Niam Sholeh, Chairman of the MUI Fatwa Division, emphasized the importance of honoring the contributions of Indonesia's former presidents who led the nation. In his statement in Jakarta on Wednesday, he said, “Every era has its heroic figures. We must appreciate the struggles of national leaders, including former Presidents who have led Indonesia. They are heroes for the Indonesian nation. Pak Karno, Pak Harto, Pak Habibi, and Gus Dur are national leaders worthy of being heroes.”
Niam urged Indonesian society to unite, support each other, and strengthen in building the nation. According to him, a great nation is one that honors its heroes, including leaders who dedicated their lives to the state. He stressed that society should not harbor grudges or dwell on the flaws of past leaders, as no one is perfect.
Niam's statement also referenced prior support from Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) Chairman Ahmad Fahrur Rozi (Gus Fahrur) for the Ministry of Social Affairs' proposal to designate Soeharto and Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur) as National Heroes. Gus Fahrur stated that the Indonesian nation needs to learn from the past, both its goodness and shortcomings, to build a wiser future. He quoted an Islamic principle: “Al-muhafazhah ‘ala al-qadim ash-shalih wal akhdzu bil jadid al-ashlah,” meaning to preserve the good old and adopt the better new.
Gus Fahrur assessed that Soeharto and Gus Dur made significant contributions in two different historical phases. Niam added that in Islam, it is commanded to remember the deeds of the deceased, especially leaders who benefited the nation. This proposal demonstrates President Prabowo's statesmanship in fostering harmony and unity.