Suharto's authoritarian rule might have brought economic progress and stability but at the expense of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, they said. -- PHOTO: APJAKARTA - HUMAN rights activists on Tuesday slammed proposals to honour late Indonesian dictator Suharto as a national hero.
The military strongman's authoritarian rule might have brought economic progress and stability but at the expense of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, they said.
Suharto is among 10 names nominated for the title of National Hero of Indonesia, the country's highest honour. The annual award goes to Indonesians who 'perform acts of heroism and make extraordinary contributions' to the nation.
But anti-graft campaigner Teten Masduki, of Transparency International, said Suharto was unworthy of such an honour because he led a corrupt regime that stole billions of dollars from the country. 'He was extraordinarily corrupt to the point of bankrupting Indonesia. How could such a person be made a national hero?' he told AFP.
Human rights activist Raharjo Waluyo Jati, of independent group Voice of Human Rights, said he did not deserve the title of national hero. 'He caused so much suffering. So many activists were arrested, detained, punished and some even killed without trial during his rule,' he said. 'All the mess Indonesia is in now, with problems of corruption and human rights violations, were his doing. He built this chaos.'
Other nominees include late president Abdurrahman Wahid, popularly known as Gus Dur, a devout Muslim scholar who staunchly defended the country's pluralist traditions. Nominations were submitted by the public and shortlisted by the Social Affairs Ministry. The list will be submitted to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono for approval ahead of National Heroes Day on Nov 10. -- AFP
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