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Jakarta, indonesia – Indonesia is set to officially recognize the late General Suharto as a national hero in December, a move sparking fears of a historical whitewash and a return to authoritarian practices, according to reports and interviews with Indonesian activists. The decision, announced by the Ministry of Culture, comes amid a growing climate of repression under the current administration of President Prabowo subianto, a former Suharto lieutenant.
Historians and human rights advocates warn the official glorification of Suharto’s regime risks downplaying or omitting the widespread human rights abuses, corruption, and political repression that characterized his 32-year rule. “I expect that anyone who challenges this version of history will be charged,” stated Hamid, an Indonesian activist, reflecting a pervasive fear of reprisal. This move arrives as the government increasingly cracks down on dissent, evidenced by the recent arrest of 4,000 protestors in August, with 600 still detained on rioting charges.
The decision to honor suharto is notably sensitive given the unresolved legacy of past atrocities. The discovery last week of charred bodies believed to be missing demonstrators underscores the ongoing trauma and impunity surrounding the Suharto era. Critics point to the potential for the revised history books to serve as a justification for current authoritarian tendencies. Prabowo’s election and subsequent policies have already raised concerns about a rollback of democratic gains made since Suharto’s fall in 1998.
The move is expected to further stifle public discourse and limit critical examination of indonesia’s past. The climate of fear is palpable, with individuals hesitant to voice opposition for fear of arrest or retribution. The official recognition of Suharto as a national hero represents a important shift in how Indonesia confronts its history and raises questions about the future of democracy and freedom of expression in the country.
