Suharto presided over a period marked by rampant corruption, nepotism, censorship and allegations of mass human rights abuses
Indonesia has awarded former authoritarian leader Suharto the title of national hero, in a move that has sparked accusations of historical revisionism in the world’s third-largest democracy.
The award has deepened fears about attempts to whitewash Suharto’s rise and decades-long rule, a period marked by rampant corruption, censorship and accusations of mass human rights violations.
The title was conferred in a ceremony on Monday morning presided over by President Prabowo Subianto, Suharto’s ex-son-in-law, despite protests by pro-democracy activists and the families of those affected by the strongman’s iron-fisted rule.
“A prominent figure from Central Java province, a hero of the struggle for independence, General Suharto stood out since the independence era,” an announcer said as Prabowo handed the award to Suharto’s daughter and son.
