Former Indonesian dictator Suharto, known for brutal massacres and corruption, was posthumously named a national hero, sparking protests from human rights groups and victims' families who see it as whitewashing his repressive regime.
Indonesia has designated former dictator Suharto as a 'national hero,' a move that has sparked controversy due to his regime's history of corruption, human rights abuses, and violent suppression, despite his contributions to economic development and independence.
Indonesia awarded late President Suharto the title of national hero despite protests and his contentious legacy involving human rights abuses, corruption, and authoritarian rule, with critics fearing it whitewashes history and risks endorsing authoritarianism under President Prabowo.
Ahead of Indonesia's upcoming elections, a political party used AI-generated deepfake technology to resurrect the image of former dictator Suharto in a campaign video, sparking controversy and criticism. The use of deepfakes in political propaganda has raised concerns about voter manipulation and ethical implications, with other parties also employing AI for various campaign tactics. As the country grapples with the influence of deepfakes on its political landscape, the legacy of Suharto, a controversial figure in Indonesian history, continues to evoke mixed reactions and fears of resurging popularity.