Hero material?: Then president Abdurrahman “Gus Dur” Wahid shakes hands with former president Soeharto in this March 8, 2000, file photo, during a visit to the latter’s residence on Jl. Cendana, Central Jakarta. JP/Arief Suhardiman
Your comments on the calls to make former president Abdurrahman “Gus Dur” Wahid a national hero, which has inspired the Golkar Party and other supporters of former president Soeharto to make the same call for the former New Order leader.
Both Gus Dur and Soeharto have the same right to be named national heroes. Both had their ups and downs. Whatever those were, they did a lot for our beloved Indonesia.
If there are those who disagree that Soeharto be made a national hero, I could disagree that Gus Dur be named one for good reasons. It is too early to consider Gus Dur a national hero.
Don’t forget that this issue can be used to further personal interests of certain elites.
Fadjar Setyanto
Jakarta
Soeharto got kicked out in 1998, but now people want him to be named a hero. People forget very fast while there are still many parents out there looking for their children who went missing.
Den Danske Forbindelse
Denpasar
I have always considered the late Gus Dur a man of enlightenment and compassion. He truly sought reconciliation with the oppressed and discriminated minorities; his prompt recognition of the human rights of Chinese-Indonesians won him praise and his efforts at reconciliation with the Papuan people won him hero status in Papua.
At the very least, he is a hero to those groups. These are just two examples.
By contrast, in reviewing the life and times of the late Soeharto, I am at a loss to find any evidence of enlightenment and compassion shining through. As an authoritarian ruler he was able to dictate his image to the people of Indonesia by limiting free speech, banning any books or movies critical of him, etc.
It is not surprising that most Indonesians seem to know so little about Soeharto’s black deeds (or have accepted the Soeharto spin), such as his leading the armed invasion of West Papua, ordering the invasion of East Timor, ordering the killing of tens (some authorities say hundreds) of thousands of his own people in the name of an alleged fight against communism, the genocide of Papuans in the name of fighting separatism, the internment of many political enemies on Buru Island, and the list goes on.
That is not to detract from his achievements in advancing the development of Indonesia, albeit with the help of his cronies and massive siphoning of public funds for his personal and family use.
Is this the profile of a person some Indonesians want to elevate to national HERO status? I venture that HEROES are meant to be good people, kind, compassionate, selfless, caring and helping the common person and above all, beyond question about any evil deeds in their lifetime.
Nairdah
Sydney
I agree that Gus Dur be awarded the title of national hero. If there is any higher award, I will propose it for him too. Gus Dur always struggled for a democratic, multicultural and pluralistic Indonesia.
He also tried to protect all religions in order to maintain peace. Gus Dur is the real protector of Pancasila state ideology. He acted, not just talked, which many of our other leaders never do. Our big problem after Gus Dur’s death is how to maintain his ideas. Can we?
Joekly Sinaga
Jakarta
Indonesia has a massive number of illiterate, deaf and blind politicians, but Gus Dur was certainly not one of them. On behalf of all Chinese-Indonesians, I would like to thank him for all his deeds that made us feel at home here. Selamat jalan, Gus, you deserve to rest in peace!
Sjeline
Jakarta
Based on his track record, it is better if Gus Dur is given the title of father of nation, not national hero. He was known for promoting pluralism and multiculturalism.
During his two years in office, there was no breakthrough to improve public welfare or the economy.
Due to the Bulog scandal, parliament impeached him and the People’s Consultative Assembly replaced him with Megawati Soe-karnoputri.
Abdul Rahim
Tangerang, Banten
Gus Dur’s greatest legacy was his wish to bring Indonesia closer to Israel. He was also anti-jihad and the father of pluralism.
Lukman
Bandar Lampung
Abdurrahman Wahid also deserves to be named a hero of controversy.
Gitu aja kok repot.
Musril Zahari
Jakarta
Supporters of both Gus Dur and Soeharto have to follow the procedures to be named a national hero.
It takes more than just mounting public calls or party support.
E. Nurdin
Jakarta
Soeharto deserves to be named a hero.
Odo Fadloeli
Bandung
Do you think the people who fought and died for our independence are not national heroes? Why is the concept of a national hero only pushed by activists of NGOs who voice human rights protection and democracy?
A national hero, besides those who fought for our independence, are those who help develop the country.
I agree Gus Dur promoted pluralism and democracy, which may deserve national hero status, but Soeharto also did a lot for this country, although many people are trying to forget it all.
David K.
Jakarta
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