10 New National Heroes Named: Gus Dur, Soeharto, and Marsinah

In commemoration of National Heroes’ Day, President Prabowo Subianto bestowed the title of National Hero upon ten distinguished figures in 2025.

This year’s honorees include not only prominent figures like Soeharto, the 2nd President of Indonesia, and Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur), the 4th President, but also labor activist Marsinah, marking a significant inclusion.

Here’s a summary of the event.

The Conferment Ceremony by President Prabowo

The government held the National Hero conferment ceremony at the State Palace in Central Jakarta on Monday, November 10, 2025.

Presidential Decree Number 116/TK/Year 2025 officially established the list of the ten recipients of this prestigious title.

The event was attended by the families of the honorees, along with high-ranking state officials, including the Minister of Religious Affairs and the Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces.

Bambang Trihatmodjo, the eldest son, represented the late President Soeharto. Yenny Wahid and Sinta Wahid, the daughter and wife, respectively, represented President Abdurrahman Wahid, also known as Gus Dur. Sarwo Edhi was represented by Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono.

The Ten National Heroes of 2025:

1. KH. Abdurrahman Wahid from East Java (For his contributions to Political Struggle and Islamic Education)
2. Jenderal Besar TNI Soeharto from Central Java Province (For his contributions to Armed Struggle and Politics)
3. Marsinah from East Java (For her contributions to Social Justice and Humanity)
4. Mochtar Kusumaatmaja from West Java (For his contributions to Law and Politics)
5. Rahma El Yunusiyyah from West Sumatra (For her contributions to Islamic Education)
6. Jenderal TNI (Ret.) Sarwo Edhie Wibowo from Central Java (For his contributions to Armed Struggle)
7. Sultan Muhammad Salahuddin from West Nusa Tenggara (For his contributions to Education and Diplomacy)
8. Syaikhona Muhammad Kholil Bangkalan from East Java (For his contributions to Islamic Education)
9. Tuan Rondahaim Saragih from North Sumatra Province (For his contributions to Armed Struggle)
10. Zainal Abidin Syah from North Maluku (For his contributions to Political Struggle and Diplomacy)

Process and Considerations for Determining Recipients

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon explained that the names of the recipients originated from community proposals at the regency/city level.

“These names, as we know, are names that were proposed from the ground up, proposals from the community that have been received since the regency and city levels. Subsequently, there was a research team and a title assessment team at the regional level,” Fadli told reporters at the Presidential Palace Complex, Central Jakarta, on Monday (10/11).

He added that from the 49 names submitted, the selection team chose 24 priority names before the President finalized the list of 10 recipients.

“Then it went up to the provincial level, reviewed again by a team of researchers and regional assessors whose members include academics, community leaders, religious leaders, cultural figures, and also by the governor, then proposed to the team at the center, the Central Level Title Research and Assessment Team under the Ministry of Social Affairs,” Fadli said.

Response from Tutut Soeharto

The inclusion of figures like Soeharto sparked public discussion regarding their historical records.

The late Soeharto was represented by his children, Siti Hardijanti Rukmana (Tutut) and Bambang Trihatmodjo. Titiek Soeharto also attended the conferment at the State Palace in Jakarta.

Following the national hero award ceremony, Tutut provided a statement on behalf of the Cendana family, stating that differing opinions are normal and that the family chooses not to dwell on the controversy.

“Yes, the Indonesian people have various perspectives; there are pros and cons, which is normal. The important thing is that we see what my father has done from a young age until his passing; all his struggles were for the nation, the state, and the Indonesian people,” Tutut said.

The thorough selection process, involving various parties, is expected to enhance the legitimacy of this prestigious conferment.

Potential for Conferment on National Awakening Day

Fadli Zon suggested that in addition to commemorating National Awakening Day, the awarding of national hero titles could also occur at other significant moments to continuously honor deserving figures.

“Of course, there are other names. We will consider these other names and perhaps discuss whether a national hero title conferment can also be held on National Awakening Day so that this process can continue, and we can appreciate the figures, the freedom fighters who have contributed to the nation and the state,” he stated.

He also explained that many names are still under consideration following proposals from the community.

“And after going through that process, from the Ministry of Social Affairs to the Council for Honors, Awards, and Decorations, which has deliberated this, there are a total of 49 names, 40 new ones, and 9 names carried over from the previous selection. The council has selected 24 priority names, and the President has chosen these 10 heroes,” he concluded.

Emotional Atmosphere as Marsinah’s Family Receives the National Hero Award

The conferment ceremony was filled with emotion for the family of the late Marsinah, represented by her older sister, Marsini, and her younger sister, Wijayanti. They were deeply moved that Marsinah, as a labor activist, was recognized by the state with the title of national hero.

“We thank the Regent and Vice Regent of Nganjuk for their support, as well as the Head of Mindo Village, and Pak Gelik who has overseen all the administrative matters, and also all of Marsinah’s family and friends who were laid off, from the 13 comrades in the company, also the SPSI, also the KSPSI, everyone,” said Marsinah’s older sister, Marsini, at the State Palace.

Marsinah’s sisters were visibly unable to hold back tears as the award was presented by the President.

“I want to express my gratitude, we are grateful to the President, I remember my sister…” said Wijiyanti.

Gus Ipul and Gus Yahya Pay Respects to Sinta Wahid After Gus Dur is Declared a National Hero

The late Gus Dur was officially awarded the title of national hero by Prabowo Subianto at a ceremony at the State Palace, Central Jakarta, on Monday, November 10, 2025.

Following the conferment, a meaningful moment occurred.

Yahya Cholil Staquf (Gus Yahya) and Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) paid their respects to Gus Dur’s wife, Sinta Nuriyah Wahid, as a sign of honor.

Gus Yahya was once Gus Dur’s spokesperson when he was in office. Gus Ipul is Gus Dur’s nephew.