Indonesia’s President, Prabowo Subianto, recently conferred the prestigious National Hero title upon 10 distinguished figures, a significant honor that included the 4th President, Abdurrahman Wahid, affectionately known as Gus Dur. This momentous recognition took place during the observance of Heroes’ Day on Monday, November 10th.
Following this historic conferment, Yenny Wahid, Gus Dur’s second daughter, shared a profound piece of advice given by her mother, Sinta Nuriyah Abdurahman Wahid. Yenny recounted her mother’s words during an interview with Basra on Tuesday evening, November 11th, at the second-anniversary celebration of the Grand Swiss-Belhotel Darmo Surabaya. “She said, ‘My child, the most important thing is to be a hero of the people. Strive for the interests of the people, because when you become a hero of the people, they will always remember our struggle’,” Yenny quoted, emphasizing the essence of true heroism.
Yenny further explained that this heartfelt counsel was imparted by her mother earlier that Tuesday morning, November 11th, during a solemn pilgrimage to Gus Dur’s tomb in Jombang. The family opted for a simple, private observance rather than an elaborate ceremony to mark the conferment. “We paid our respects at Gus Dur’s tomb. It was during that pilgrimage that my mother conveyed her wisdom to me,” Yenny revealed. She added that the primary purpose of their visit was to symbolically inform Gus Dur that he had been officially recognized as a National Hero, an acknowledgment met with widespread gratitude and thanksgiving (syukuran) from across the Indonesian populace.
In Yenny’s eyes, Gus Dur epitomized a leader who was steadfast in his principles and values, yet remarkably adaptable in his strategies. She described him as someone “flexible in strategy but unwilling to compromise on values.” Yenny lamented the rarity of such a figure in contemporary times, highlighting Gus Dur’s unwavering commitment to placing the people’s interests above all else, far surpassing any desire for formal recognition or position.
Also present at the occasion, Gus Dur’s wife, Sinta Nuriyah Wahid, conveyed the family’s deep gratitude for the National Hero award. “We are immensely thankful for the conferment of the National Hero title upon Gus Dur. What he passionately championed—democracy, brotherhood, equality, justice, and humanity—continues to be steadfastly upheld by society in building our nation,” she articulated, underscoring the enduring legacy of his struggles.
Sinta Wahid also imparted a crucial message: that Gus Dur’s teachings, which are deeply aligned with Islamic principles, should perpetually serve as a guiding light. “What Gus Dur fought for throughout his life, consistent with Islamic teachings, must remain a guide because it is all enshrined within the state foundation, Pancasila. This must be embraced by all Indonesian people to ensure our nation remains peaceful, prosperous, and abundant,” she urged, invoking the rich Indonesian idiom “gemah ripah loh jinawi.”
The state’s decision to bestow the National Hero title specifically recognized Gus Dur’s profound and extensive contributions to championing democracy, human rights, and fostering inter-religious tolerance across Indonesia. His vision and dedication continue to resonate, shaping the nation’s ethos.
Summary
Indonesia’s 4th President, Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur), was posthumously awarded the prestigious National Hero title by President Prabowo Subianto on Heroes’ Day, November 10th. Following this recognition, Gus Dur’s daughter, Yenny Wahid, shared her mother’s advice to “be a hero of the people” by prioritizing their interests. This wisdom was conveyed during a private family pilgrimage to Gus Dur’s tomb, where they symbolically informed him of the honor. Yenny described her father as a leader flexible in strategy but unyielding on values, always placing the people’s welfare first.
Gus Dur’s wife, Sinta Nuriyah Wahid, expressed profound gratitude for the National Hero award, emphasizing his lasting contributions to the nation. She noted his passionate championship of democracy, human rights, brotherhood, equality, and justice continues to be upheld by society. Sinta urged that Gus Dur’s teachings, consistent with Islamic principles and Pancasila, must serve as a perpetual guide for all Indonesians towards a peaceful and prosperous future. The state specifically recognized Gus Dur’s extensive impact on fostering democracy, human rights, and inter-religious tolerance.