Indonesia National Hero awards 2026

In early November 2026, Culture Minister Fadli Zon met with President Prabowo Subianto at the Merdeka Palace to present recommendations from the Council of Titles, Decorations, and Honors for the 2026 National Hero awards. These recommendations, which underwent multi-level research from local to central government, were intended to coincide with Heroes' Day commemorations.

On November 10, 2026, President Prabowo Subianto officially conferred National Hero titles upon 19 individuals during a ceremony at the State Palace in Jakarta. The awards, issued via Presidential Decree Number 93/TK/Year 2026, recognize extraordinary services in achieving and maintaining Indonesian independence and national unity. The ceremony was attended by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming and various high-ranking state officials.

Notable recipients included R. M. Margono Djojohadikusumo, founder of Bank Negara Indonesia and grandfather of President Prabowo, and Franciscus Xaverius Seda, who helped stabilize the economy during the 1966 crisis. Other honorees included former Police Chief Hoegeng Iman Santoso, former Prime Minister Ali Sastroamidjojo, former Minister of Defense M. Jusuf, literary pioneer Sutan Takdir Alisjahbana, and religious leader Kiai Modjo. Additional recipients included military and religious leaders such as Maraden Panggabean, Ali Sadikin, and K.H. Wasyid.

Among the honorees was Sultan Muhammad Ali Abdul Syah, known as Marhum Pekan, the founder of Pekanbaru and the fifth Sultan of Siak Sri Indrapura. His recognition, which has been pursued since 1988, honors his role in developing the Senapelan area into a commercial hub. Pekanbaru Mayor Agung Nugroho and the heirs of Marhum Pekan attended the ceremony. Additionally, the Ministry of Public Works has approved naming a city toll gate after him.