Prabowo Honors Suharto as National Hero, Stirring Old Wounds.

The article discusses Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto's decision to posthumously honor former authoritarian ruler Suharto as a national hero, a move that has reignited debates about the country's historical human rights abuses. This recognition, announced on National Heroes Day, has faced backlash from human rights activists who argue it overlooks Suharto's violent legacy and systemic rights violations during his 32-year rule. Critics, including Amnesty International, highlight concerns over the government's attempt to whitewash the past, while supporters claim it acknowledges Suharto's contributions to the nation. The article also notes parallels between Prabowo's governance style and Suharto's centralized approach, particularly in defense spending and military involvement in civilian affairs. [Extracted from the article]