Prabowo to Announce National Hero Candidates This Afternoon

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf announced that President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to announce the recipients of the 2026 National Hero title at the State Palace this afternoon, Tuesday (10/11/2026).

"The information I received is that it will be this afternoon. God willing, around 4 PM. Hopefully, the news is correct, but of course, it will follow the President's agenda," said Saifullah at the Heroes' Cemetery, Kalibata, South Jakarta, on Tuesday (10/11/2026).

Gus Ipul, as he is commonly known, could not confirm the number of figures who will be awarded the National Hero title.

He noted that the number could reach 18 people or more, depending on President Prabowo's decision.

"It could be 18, it could be more, depending on the circumstances. Just wait," he said.

So far, there are several names proposed for the National Hero title, including economist Raden Mas Margono Djojohadikusumo, who is Prabowo's grandfather.

"Mr. Margono is one of those proposed because he meets the criteria. Actually, it was proposed since last year, but we only submitted it this year," he stated.

In addition to Margono, the name of the fifth Chief of Police, General Hoegeng Imam Santoso, is also included in the list of suggested figures by the Ministry of Social Affairs.

"General Hoegeng is among those we proposed. Then there are several other names. The point is, all those we proposed have met the criteria," Gus Ipul said.

18 National Heroes

Previously, Minister of Culture Fadli Zon mentioned that 18 figures would be awarded the National Hero title by the Council of Titles, Decorations, and Honors (GTK).

"This year, based on an agreement from the GTK Board team, we propose all who are eligible and meet the criteria, and the President has chosen 18," Fadli said when met in Jakarta on Friday (6/11/2026).

Fadli, who also serves as the Chairman of the GTK Council, revealed that the names were not determined solely by the government.

According to regulations, the proposal of names begins from the community, including universities and organizations.

These proposals are then reviewed at various levels by research and review teams at the district/city, provincial, and central levels.

At the central level, the review process involves academics, historians, and scientists.

The results are then submitted to the Ministry of Social Affairs before being forwarded to the GTK Council.

"The selected individuals have gone through a lengthy process with their contributions, which I believe is hard to debate, whether in the fields of culture, economics, or armed struggle," Fadli said.