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Prabowo names late strongman Suharto an Indonesian national hero in move that rubs old wounds
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Former Indonesian president Suharto ruled by controlling the military and economy, as well as by instilling fear.
PHOTO: AFP
- Prabowo named Suharto a national hero, reopening debates about Indonesia's past and Prabowo's leadership style, reminiscent of the New Order era.
- Critics argue this move sanitises Suharto's human rights abuses and corruption, potentially enabling his family's political resurgence and distorting history for younger generations.
- Analysts warn this decision could damage Prabowo's legacy, normalise unaccountable power, and intensify criticism due to perceived conflicts of interest.
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JAKARTA - When Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto named his former father-in-law, the late strongman Suharto, a national hero on Nov 10, it was more than a ceremonial gesture.
It signalled how Indonesia’s current leader wants the country to remember its past, analysts said, but the move has also provoked critics who say some histories should not be sanitised.
