Daftarsbmptn.com – The idea of awarding President Soeharto the title of National Hero resurfaced in late 2025. Several figures and organizations, including some from the Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) Central Board, reportedly supported the proposal, arguing that Soeharto was considered to have contributed significantly to economic development and national stability during the New Order era.
However, this statement immediately drew a strong reaction from KH. Ahmad Mustofa Bisri (Gus Mus) a charismatic cleric, cultural figure, and senior NU figure known for his critical and humanist thinking. In interviews and social media posts, Gus Mus strongly rejected the idea.
He asserted:
- “I absolutely disagree with Soeharto being made a National Hero. NU members who join in supporting that simply don’t understand history.”
- This statement was not merely political criticism, but also a moral and historical warning to the Indonesian nation to not forget the past wounds inflicted by the New Order regime.
Reasons for Gus Mus’ Rejection
a. The New Order’s Dark Experiences Against Ulama and Islamic Boarding Schools
- According to Gus Mus, during the Soeharto era, many ulama, kiai, and Islamic boarding schools experienced unfair and repressive treatment.
- NU symbols were banned from being displayed in several regions.
- Many kiai were pressured or forced to join Golkar, the party supporting the government at the time.
- Some kiai and activists were even arrested or ostracized because they were considered to be against the government.
- Gus Mus also shared a personal story:
His younger brother, KH. Adib Bisri, was once a civil servant but eventually resigned because he refused to be forced to vote for Golkar. - According to him, such incidents reflect Soeharto’s unfair treatment of ulama and Islamic boarding schools despite their significant role in the struggle for independence and public education.
b. Injustice and Human Rights Violations in the New Order Era
In addition to the treatment of Islamic boarding school communities, Gus Mus noted that Soeharto’s reign was also marked by various human rights violations.
Some major events that have become dark historical records include:
- The 1965–1966 tragedy, in which hundreds of thousands of people became victims of political violence.
- The suppression of the press and freedom of expression, in which journalists, activists, and the opposition were silenced.
- Systemic corruption, collusion, and nepotism (KKN) within the circles of power.
- For Gus Mus, crowning Suharto as a hero without acknowledging and criticizing these historical sins is tantamount to erasing the nation’s collective memory.
“If people still consider Suharto a hero, it means they don’t understand history. Many kiai (Islamic scholars), ulama (Islamic scholars), and ordinary people became victims.”
c. The True Meaning of a Hero
- In Gus Mus’s view, the title “National Hero” is not merely a formal award, but the highest moral recognition for someone who has rendered great service without causing suffering to the people.
- He emphasized that true heroes are those who fight for the people and justice, not those who maintain power through oppression or manipulation of history.
- Thus, conferring the title of hero to Soeharto is considered to demean the meaning of heroism itself.
Criticism of Supporters
Gus Mus’s statement also criticized some within Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) who supported the idea of granting the title.
According to him, NU members should best understand the history of NU’s relationship with the New Order, as many ulama and Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) experienced political pressure from the government.
“If there are NU members who support Soeharto being a hero, it means they don’t understand the history of the kiai’s struggle.”
For Gus Mus, such an attitude demonstrates self-forgetfulness and a disrespect for the sacrifices of previous generations.
The Historical Context of NU and Soeharto
- The relationship between Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Soeharto was indeed complex.
- At the beginning of the New Order (1966–1970s), NU supported Soeharto’s government, hoping for stability and security after the G30S (G30S).
- However, over time, NU felt marginalized politically and socially, especially after being forced to join the United Development Party (PPP).
- At that time, a policy of “monoloyalty” was implemented: all state officials, including teachers and civil servants, were required to support Golkar.
- This policy ultimately disillusioned many NU figures and led them to distance themselves from the government. NU only regained political freedom after the 1998 reforms.
Public and Other Figures’ Reaction
Gus Mus’s statement received widespread support from the public, academics, and figures from other Islamic organizations.
Some of these include:
- Muhammadiyah also rejected the plan to award Suharto the title of hero for similar reasons because there are still many unresolved human rights violations and corruption cases.
- Human rights activists and historians believe that awarding the title would be a betrayal of the victims of the New Order regime.
- On the other hand, Suharto’s supporters believe that his contributions to development and maintaining national stability deserve recognition. However, for Gus Mus, recognition of his services does not have to be realized with the title of national hero, as its meaning is far deeper than mere political recognition.
Moral Message and Historical Reflection
Gus Mus’s statement actually contains a profound moral and nationalistic message:
- That the Indonesian people must learn from history, not forget it.
- That recognition of figures must be done holistically, not only looking at the positive side and turning a blind eye to the dark side.
- That the title of hero should be given to those who made sacrifices without oppression.
- According to Gus Mus, a nation that forgets history will lose its moral compass. If we crown figures with a record of serious crimes as heroes, future generations will be confused about the difference between right and wrong.
Conclusion
- Gus Mus’s statement, “I Disagree with Soeharto Being a Hero: He Doesn’t Understand History,” is not merely a critique of the government, but a moral and intellectual call for the Indonesian people to remain honest about their own history.
- He emphasized that honoring someone’s service should not erase the suffering of the people. The title “National Hero” is not just about development and power, but about integrity, justice, and humanity.
- In other words, Gus Mus wants to remind us that forgetting history means betraying the nation itself.