JAKARTA (Yosefardi) – Human rights activists from several Non-Government Organizations (NGO’s), families of the victims of the May 1998 tragedy, Semanggi shootings, and other human rights activists staged a rally, the so-called Aksi Kamisan, on Thursday (June 12), rejecting the idea to grant the late former President Soeharto the title of national hero.
The activists staged rally in front of the Constitutional Court building at around 3:00 pm of Jakarta time, instead of at front of the Presidential Palace as they used to do.
The idea to grant the title of national hero to Soeharto has been revived by Prabowo Subianto, former son-in-law of Soeharto and now a presidential candidate from a coalition of six political parties (Gerindra, PAN, Golkar, PKS, PPP, and PBB).
Prabowo’s promise, to grant Soeharto the title of national hero, has triggered polarizing reactions, including harsh criticisms.
Prabowo made the promise in his speech to the Forum of Indonesian Veterans, Police and Military Retirees (FKPPI) held on June 3, 2014. (haryantos@yosefardi.biz)