Culture Minister Backs National Hero Nomination for Mr. Assaat

Culture Minister Fadli Zon supports Mr. Assaat as a national hero, saying he was an important figure in Indonesia’s historical journey who deserves attention through comprehensive historical study.

“After all, Mr. Assaat once served as President of the Republic of Indonesia during the United States of Indonesia (RIS) period. He also played a role in inaugurating Gadjah Mada University in 1950,” Culture Minister Fadli Zon said in a statement confirmed from Jakarta on Thursday.

The late figure’s son, Iqbal Assaat, said the proposal for the national hero title began several years ago but was halted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The nomination process resumed in February 2025 by the Banuhampu Family Association together with writer and historian Hasril Chaniago in accordance with the applicable nomination procedures. One of the efforts undertaken in the nomination process is collecting various supporting documents.

Various personal letters, documents and family archives, including historical photographs, have been handed over to the National Archives of the Republic of Indonesia (ANRI).

Culture Minister Fadli Zon hopes the process of proposing the National Hero title for Mr. Assaat can proceed according to the applicable mechanism. This includes strengthening historical studies, holding academic seminars, and securing support from regional governments and various stakeholders, so that his service and dedication to the nation can be considered in the process of awarding the National Hero title.

The audience was attended by Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives for 1997-2024 from Commission IX Darul Siska, Special Staff to the Minister for Protocol and Household Affairs Rachmanda Primayuda, and Director of History and Museums Endah Budi Heryani.

On Wednesday (5/8), Minister Fadli also supported the proposal of scientist Prof. Dr. Achmad Mochtar as a national hero for his service and dedication to the Indonesian nation.