Jakarta. The eldest daughter of former Indonesian president Soeharto responded calmly to public criticism over her late father’s recent designation as a National Hero on Monday, saying her family would not engage in defending his legacy against detractors.

Speaking at the State Palace following the National Heroes Day ceremony, Siti Hardijanti Rukmana, better known as Tutut Soeharto, said differing opinions over the decision were natural in a democracy.

“Criticism is part of life in a democratic country. We, as a family, hold no resentment or disappointment toward those who disagree,” Tutut told reporters after receiving the honor on behalf of her family.

She added that the Soeharto family believed the recognition reflected the views of many Indonesians who still regard the late president as having made major contributions to the nation.

“For those who do not support it, we understand -- our country is diverse and differences of opinion are normal,” she said.

Tutut stressed that her family would not seek to counter the accusations or controversy surrounding her father’s 32-year rule.

“People can see what my father did and make their own judgment. We don’t need to defend ourselves -- nothing has been hidden,” she said.

Tutut also expressed gratitude to President Prabowo Subianto for bestowing the title, saying the decision acknowledged both Soeharto’s contributions and the aspirations of the public.

“We are thankful to President Prabowo for declaring our father a National Hero. He once served in the military, so he knows what my father contributed from a young age. But the President also made this decision by considering the people’s aspirations,” she said.

Soeharto, Indonesia’s second and longest-serving president, ruled the country from 1967 to 1998 under a centralized, military-backed regime known as the New Order. His era brought economic growth and stability following the political upheaval of the 1960s, but it was also marred by allegations of widespread human rights abuses, corruption, and suppression of dissent.

President Prabowo, who once served as a special-forces commander under Soeharto and was formerly married to his second daughter, Titiek Soeharto, awarded Soeharto the National Hero title on Monday alongside nine other figures, including Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur), known for his advocacy of pluralism and democracy.

The announcement sparked renewed debate across Indonesia. Human rights activists condemned the decision as an attempt to whitewash authoritarian excesses, while supporters praised it as long-overdue recognition of Soeharto’s role in shaping Indonesia’s modern state.

Under Presidential Decree No. 116/TK/2025, Soeharto was among ten honorees recognized for their “extraordinary service to the Republic.” His inclusion, however, drew sharper scrutiny because of his polarizing legacy -- from his anti-communist campaign in the 1960s to his forced resignation amid the Asian Financial Crisis in 1998.

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