A proposal to include Indonesia's former military dictator Suharto on a list of national heroes sparked opposition from rights advocates who on Tuesday called the nomination a "betrayal".

Former president Suharto, who died in 2008 aged 86, ruled Indonesia with an iron fist for more than three decades after grabbing power in 1967 following a failed military coup.

The former military general's rule was marred by allegations of corruption and human rights abuses, including violent crackdowns on political dissent.

On Tuesday, around 500 civil society members, activists and academics published a letter sent to sitting President Prabowo Subianto -- who is also Suharto's son-in-law -- requesting him not to go ahead with the decision.

"The awarding of the title of national hero to Suharto is n

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