Partai Golkar Chairman Bahlil Lahadalia prays for those rejecting Soeharto's National Hero title to accept it graciously. Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka supports President Prabowo Subianto's decision and urges societal maturity in nation-building. The awarding took place on November 10, 2025, at Istana Negara in Jakarta.
President Prabowo Subianto awarded the National Hero title to Indonesia's second president Soeharto on November 10, 2025, at Istana Negara in Jakarta. The plaque and documents were handed to Soeharto's eldest daughter, Siti Hardijanti Rukmana or Tutut, accompanied by her brother Bambang Trihatmodjo. The conferment is based on Presidential Decree Number 116/TK/2025, recognizing Soeharto's contributions in armed struggle and politics since the independence era.
Partai Golkar Chairman Bahlil Lahadalia responded to the rejections of the title by praying for the dissenters to accept it graciously. At the 61st Golkar anniversary event in West Jakarta on the evening of November 14, 2025, he said, "If there are those who still can't forgive, I pray that they can do so easily." Bahlil added advice to pray for divine mercy and viewed the pro-contra debate as normal in a democracy. He emphasized that no human is perfect except God, but for Golkar, the title is fitting given Soeharto's 32-year presidency, role as Chairman of Golkar's Board of Patrons, and major contributions. Bahlil thanked the government and Prabowo for the award.
Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka expressed full support for Prabowo's decision on November 14, 2025, in Jakarta. He noted the selection process underwent strict mechanisms by the Council of Honors. Addressing public debates, Gibran urged society to demonstrate maturity in nation-building. "This can be the right momentum to show maturity in nationhood and prioritize reconciliation and unity," he stated. Earlier, on November 7, 2025, in Semarang, Gibran backed Soeharto's nomination for his roles in food self-sufficiency and poverty alleviation.