Central Java Proposes Prabowo's Grandfather for National Hero Title

The Central Java Provincial Government has proposed KH Sholeh Darat and Margono Djojohadikusumo to be awarded the title of National Hero. Margono is known to be the grandfather of President Prabowo Subianto.

“For the new proposals, there are Kiai Haji Sholeh Darat and Mr Margono Djojohadikusumo,” said Head of the Central Java Social Affairs Office Imam Maskur when asked about the nomination of figures from Central Java for this year’s National Hero title on Wednesday (19/8/2026).

He added that KH Sholeh Darat was proposed as a National Hero by the Semarang City Government. Meanwhile, the Banyumas Regency Government is the proposer of the figure Margono Djojohadikusumo. “The process is all clear, everything is already at the ministry. We have sent it, obtained the Governor’s recommendation, and sent it to the Ministry of Social Affairs,” he said.

According to Imam, the next step is simply to await the central government’s decision. If the recommendation is accepted, KH Sholeh Darat and Margono Djojohadikusumo will be awarded the National Hero title during the Heroes’ Day commemoration on 10 November.

Imam explained that the nomination of a figure for the National Hero title must begin with community aspirations. “For example, there is a community group that sees a figure whose service has been extraordinary to the country and has contributed to the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, has no legal problems, and whose works are felt by the Indonesian people. That community can submit a proposal,” he said.

The submission of the relevant figure is handed over to the district/city government. Imam said the proposal will then be assessed by the Regional Title Research and Assessment Team (TP2GD). If accepted, with the recommendation of the regent/mayor, the proposal will be forwarded to the Social Affairs Office at the provincial level. Members of the provincial-level TP2GD will conduct a further assessment.

“If it passes at the provincial level, it is submitted to the governor for a recommendation. That recommendation is then sent to the Ministry of Social Affairs. The assessment by the central government is carried out by the TP2GP. Whether it passes or not is decided by the TP2GP. After that, it is submitted to the President,” said Imam.