President Prabowo Confers National Hero Titles for 2026
President Prabowo Subianto awards the title of National Hero to prominent figures at the State Palace in Jakarta, coinciding with National Heroes' Day.
Portal Islam 
This article was first published in Indonesian. Baca versi Bahasa Indonesia →
The Indonesian government is scheduled to confer the title of National Hero upon several prominent figures on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, coinciding with the observance of National Heroes' Day at the State Palace in Central Jakarta. According to media reports, the awarding ceremony will be led directly by Republic of Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto following a thorough proposal and selection process involving various elements of society.
As cited from reports by CNN Indonesia and Republika on Monday and Tuesday, November 9–10, 2026, the Ministry of Social Affairs—alongside an assessment team consisting of academics, historians, and diverse community representatives—selected several figures deemed to have made significant contributions to the journey of the Indonesian nation.
Number of Figures and the 2026 National Hero Selection Process
There have been varying accounts regarding the exact number of figures who will receive the national hero title this year. Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf, popularly known as Gus Ipul, stated that the number of recipients reaches approximately 18 individuals, though he asked the public to await the official announcement.
"God willing, hopefully. Let us wait as it will be announced tomorrow. But clearly, tomorrow, God willing, it will be delivered directly by the President," said Gus Ipul at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Monday (Nov 9), as quoted by CNN Indonesia.
A similar statement was conveyed by Minister of Culture Fadli Zon, who mentioned that President Prabowo had selected 18 figures to be awarded the title of National Hero. According to Fadli, this number is higher than in previous years due to the large volume of long-standing proposals deemed to meet the requirements—some of which had reportedly been submitted up to seven times.
Meanwhile, based on information gathered by Republika on Tuesday (Nov 10, 2026), several figures included in the list for the 2026 National Hero awards consist of:
- General (Ret.) Andi Muhammad Jusuf Amier (a figure from South Sulawesi who previously served as Minister of Industry, Minister of Defense and Security/Armed Forces Commander, and Chairman of the Audit Board of Indonesia).
- Raden Mas Margono Djojohadikoesoemo (the founder of Bank Negara Indonesia [BNI, state-owned commercial bank] from Central Java, who is also the grandfather of President Prabowo Subianto).
- Sultan Muhammad Ali Abdul Jalil Muazzam Syah (Riau).
- KH Wasyid (Banten).
- Fuad Muhammad Syafruddin, also known as Udin Bernas (Special Region of Yogyakarta).
- Major General Soengkono (East Java).
- Franciscus Xaverius Seda, or Frans Seda (East Nusa Tenggara).
- Abdoel Moethalib Sangadji (Maluku).
A Retrospective Look at the Nomination Process
Gus Ipul explained that the Ministry of Social Affairs had proposed more than 10 names to the Council of Titles, Decorations, and Honors following a rigorous research process. Specifically regarding Raden Mas Margono Djojohadikusumo, the proposal originated from various community groups, including residents from Banyumas, Central Java, as well as journalists and media organizations in Surabaya and Jakarta.
Appreciating the services of the heroes and leaders who have struggled for the nation's progress is a manifestation of love for the homeland. The spirit of emulating the sincerity of these freedom fighters consistently aligns with the noble values of Islam, which encourage believers to always remember good deeds and continuously perform beneficial acts for others.
وَلَا تَقُوْلُوْا لِمَنْ يُّقْتَلُ فِيْ سَبِيْلِ اللّٰهِ اَمْوَاتٌ ۗ بَلْ اَحْيَاۤءٌ وَّلٰكِنْ لَّا تَشْعُرُوْنَ ﴿١٥٤﴾
And do not say about those who are killed in the way of Allah, "They are dead." Rather, they are alive, but you perceive [it] not.
Qur'an, Surah Al-Baqara [2]: 154 (Sahih International)
May the momentum of National Heroes' Day 2026 motivate all Indonesians, particularly Muslims, to continually preserve unity, carry out the ideals of the nation's founders, and provide their best contributions for the betterment of the ummah and the state.
