Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka deems former Presidents Soeharto and Abdurrahman Wahid deserving of national hero status due to their major contributions to the nation. Gibran made the statement after inspecting the Jragung Dam in Semarang Regency, Central Java. Their names are among 49 candidates submitted by the GTK Council to President Prabowo Subianto.
Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka expressed support for awarding national hero status to Indonesia's second President Soeharto and fourth President Abdurrahman Wahid, known as Gus Dur. The statement was made when he was met after inspecting the Jragung Dam in Semarang Regency, Central Java, on Friday (November 7, 2025).
Gibran emphasized that the hero awarding process has undergone lengthy stages. "I think the hero title has already gone through a long process and stages," he said. He also highlighted the significant contributions of the two figures to the nation. "Especially since they have given great contributions and services to the country," Gibran added.
Regarding Soeharto, Gibran noted his major role in achieving food self-sufficiency and poverty alleviation. "Pak Harto contributed greatly and has major merits for building food self-sufficiency, and also poverty eradication," the Vice President stated.
As for Gus Dur, Gibran praised his efforts in addressing intolerance, protecting minorities, and human rights. "Gus Dur contributed immensely to resolving intolerance issues, freedom to perform worship, protecting minorities, and also human rights protection," Gibran revealed.
Previously, President Prabowo Subianto received a list of 49 national hero candidates from GTK Council Chairman Fadli Zon. Of that number, 24 names are on the priority list, including Soeharto and Gus Dur.