Indonesia Honors National Heroes: Margono Djojohadikusumo & KH Yusuf Hasyim
President Prabowo Subianto confers the title of National Hero upon RM Margono Djojohadikusumo and KH Moh. Yusuf Hasyim on National Heroes Day 2026.
Portal Islam 
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The Government of the Republic of Indonesia has officially conferred the title of National Hero upon several prominent figures during the National Heroes Day commemoration ceremony at the State Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday (November 10, 2026, UTC+7). President Prabowo Subianto personally presided over the presentation of the nation's highest honor, recognizing the significant contributions of these individuals to the struggle for independence and the development of the nation.
Among the recipients are the founder of Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI), RM Margono Djojohadikusumo, and the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU)—the largest Islamic organization in Indonesia—scholar and freedom fighter, KH Moh. Yusuf Hasyim, affectionately known as Pak Ud. This conferment serves as a historic moment for the families and the people of Indonesia to honor the legacy of these heroes.
RM Margono Djojohadikusumo: Architect of the National Economy
As reported by Republika and CNN Indonesia, RM Margono Djojohadikusumo was awarded the title of National Hero for his immense contributions to politics and economics. Margono is recognized as the founder of BNI in 1946 and a visionary who established the foundations of the national financial system amidst the challenges of economic sovereignty following independence.
In addition to founding Indonesia's first state-owned bank, Margono served as a member of the BPUPKI (Investigating Committee for Preparatory Work for Independence) and as the first Chairman of the Supreme Advisory Council (DPA). He was also active in international diplomacy, including his involvement in the 1949 Round Table Conference. Prof. Ibnu Qizam, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, noted that this recognition serves as a reminder of the importance of building economic institutions that prioritize the interests of the people.
KH Moh. Yusuf Hasyim: The Warrior Scholar from Tebuireng
According to detikHikmah, the title of National Hero was also bestowed upon KH Moh. Yusuf Hasyim. The award was accepted by his family representative, Mochammad Reza Yusuf, accompanied by the Indonesian Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochammad Irfan Yusuf. Gus Irfan expressed his gratitude and deep appreciation for the state's recognition of his late father.
KH Yusuf Hasyim was known for his extensive track record, ranging from his role as a freedom fighter and Commander of the Hizbullah Laskar (militia) in Jombang, to his service as the caretaker of the Tebuireng Islamic Boarding School and a key figure in the history of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU). His nephew, Dr. Umar Wahid, emphasized that Pak Ud's dedication, particularly in maintaining the integrity of the NU organization and his service to the community, made him a truly deserving recipient of this honor.
A Model of Service to the Ummah
In Islam, honoring and remembering those who have struggled for the benefit of the community and the nation is part of noble character. As Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of appreciating the kindness of others, we are reminded to emulate their spirit of sacrifice.
هَلْ جَزَاۤءُ الْاِحْسَانِ اِلَّا الْاِحْسَانُۚ ﴿٦٠﴾
Is the reward for good [anything] but good?
Qur'an, Surah Ar-Rahmaan [55]: 60 (Sahih International)
May the conferment of the National Hero title serve as an inspiration for the younger generation to continue contributing to the nation's progress with sincerity. For the families left behind, praying for the heroes who have passed away is a primary form of devotion, as guided in the article Prayers for Deceased Parents: Recitations, Meanings, and Etiquette.
