Minister: General Hoegeng Recommended for National Hero Title This Year

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf, known as Gus Ipul, has announced that General Hoegeng Imam Santoso, the fifth Chief of Police of Indonesia, is included in the list of figures proposed for the National Hero title in 2026.

"General Hoegeng is among those we have proposed. There are also several other names. Essentially, all those we proposed meet the requirements," Gus Ipul stated when met at the Heroes Cemetery in Kalibata, South Jakarta, on Tuesday (10/11/2026).

He emphasized that the final decision regarding the awarding of the National Hero title does not rest with the Ministry of Social Affairs but is ultimately up to President Prabowo Subianto.

"Yes, just wait for the next announcement. Just wait for the announcement," he asserted.

As such, Gus Ipul could not confirm the number of recipients of the National Hero title this year.

According to him, the number of individuals granted the title might reach 18 or more, depending on Prabowo's decision.

"It could be 18, or it could be more, depending on the situation. Just wait until later this afternoon," he said.

Overall, Gus Ipul noted that the Ministry of Social Affairs has proposed more than 10 figures from various backgrounds for the National Hero title in 2026.

"This year we are proposing more than 10 from various backgrounds, which we will forward to the Title Council," he added.

Gus Ipul assured that the proposed figures submitted by the Ministry are the results of a nomination process involving the public and local governments.

These proposals are processed in stages before being forwarded to the Title Council, Decorations, and Honors.

"The Title Council will report to the President, who will then decide who will receive the hero title this year," he concluded.