Indonesia has declared former President Suharto a national hero posthumously, amidst protests from human rights groups and survivors of his regime’s brutal actions.

Suharto, for decades a US-backed dictator, presided over mass killings during Cold War-era purges, with historians estimating 500,000 to one million deaths.

His regime was also accused of diverting state funds to enrich his family and suppress political opponents.

The honour was awarded by current President Prabowo Subianto, Suharto’s former son-in-law and a former military commander, whose own record in West Papua and East Timor has drawn human rights criticism.

The move has angered activists and organisations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, who have denounced the action as a means of whitewashing the events of history.

After Indonesia gained independence in 1949, Suharto rose through the military ranks and became a five-star general.

In 1965, after a failed coup, he blamed communists and orchestrated a nationwide purge.

His rule, for 31 years, saw the country experience economic growth and political stability, but at the same time, corruption, violation of human rights, and suppression of dissent.

Suharto resigned in 1998 amidst protests spurred by the Asian financial crisis.

His supporters argue that he brought stability and development, and his family and political heirs have worked to rehabilitate his image.

His legacy can be seen through his birthplace, museums, memorabilia, and merchandise in his hometown near Yogyakarta.

Critics say the posthumous honour deepens injustice for victims. Bedjo Untung, who spent time in prison and was tortured during Suharto’s presidency, described the decision as “shocking, disappointing, and unfair” because survivors still suffer from the consequences.

Human rights experts warn that honouring Suharto will make it harder to hold accountable the perpetrators of past abuses and may even encourage authoritarian tendencies under Prabowo’s administration.