JAKARTA, Nov 10 – President Prabowo Subianto bestowed the title of National Hero on ten prominent figures recognized for their exceptional contributions to the Indonesian nation in commemoration of this year’s Heroes Day.
The National Hero title conferment ceremony was held at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Monday morning, based on Presidential Regulation No. 116.TK/2025.
Among the ten recipients were former presidents Soeharto from Central Java and Abdurrahman Wahid from East Java, as well as labor activist Marsinah, also from East Java.
Other honorees included former foreign minister Mochtar Kusumaatmadja from West Java, military leader Sarwo Edhie Wibowo from Central Java, and women’s education pioneer Rahmah El Yunusiyah from West Sumatra.
President Prabowo also bestowed the title on Muslim cleric Syaikhona Muhammad Kholil from East Java, and local leaders Sultan Muhammad Salahuddin from West Nusa Tenggara, Rondahaim Saragih from North Sumatra, and Zainal Abidin Syah from North Maluku.
The ceremony was presided over by President Prabowo and attended by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, members of the Red and White Cabinet, and descendants of the newly designated national heroes.
Following the announcement, President Prabowo presented the official certificates of recognition to the heroes’ descendants who were present at the palace.
This year’s National Hero announcement marks the first under President Prabowo’s administration, as no titles were awarded in 2024.
According to Culture Minister and Head of the Council for Titles, Decorations, and Honors (GTK) Fadli Zon, the ten figures were chosen from 49 nominations submitted this year, 24 of which were placed on a priority list.
“The nomination process begins at the grassroots level – from citizens and local governments – and is then reviewed by researchers, academics, and community leaders at district, provincial, and national levels,” Zon said on November 5.
