DARI REZIM OTORITARIAN KE REFORMASI KRITIK ATAS UPAYA PENETAPAN SOEHARTO SEBAGAI PAHLAWAN DI TENGAH CATATAN PELANGGARAN HAM 1998

Abstract

This study discusses the dynamics of the authoritarian regime of the New Order and the controversy of the discourse on the designation of Suharto as a national hero in the midst of a record of human rights violations in 1998. Through a descriptive qualitative approach and literature study, this study traces the political character of the New Order which is characterized by the centralization of power, military control, restrictions on civil liberties, and deep-rooted KKN practices. The analysis then focused on a series of human rights violations in the run up to Suhartos fall, including the May riots, sexual violence, mass killings, and kidnappings of pro democracy activists. The findings of the study show that efforts to promote Suharto as a national hero cannot be separated from efforts to reconstruct historical memory that have the potential to whiten the states repressive actions. Therefore, this study emphasizes the importance of historical integrity, transparency, and respect for victims as an ethical foundation in formulating heroic policies, while maintaining democratic and human rights values in the reform era.