Siti Hardijanti Rukmana and Bambang Trihatmodjo stand beside the photograph of former Indonesian president Suharto, as he receives the title of a national hero during National Heroes' Day at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, Nov 10, 2025. REUTERSSiti Hardijanti Rukmana and Bambang Trihatmodjo stand beside the photograph of former Indonesian president Suharto, as he receives the title of a national hero during National Heroes' Day at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, Nov 10, 2025. REUTERSIndonesia awarded the title of national hero on Monday to late President Suharto, who was forced out of office in 1998 by violent protests that ended a three-decade rule marred by accusations of mass human rights violations, corruption and nepotism. Every year, the title of national hero is awarded to Indonesians who have contributed significantly to the Southeast Asian archipelago's development. Suharto, a military officer, formally became president in 1967 after he seized control of Indonesia from the country's first president and independence leader, Sukarno.
