Protests have erupted in Indonesia after the government on Monday awarded the tile of national hero to late President Suharto, who was forced out of office in 1998 ending a three-decade rule marred by accusations of mass human rights violations, corruption and nepotism.

The title was conferred in a ceremony attended by President Prabowo Subianto, Suharto’s former son-in-law.

“A prominent figure from Central Java province, a hero of the struggle for independence, General Suharto stood out since the independence era," Reuters quoted an announcer as saying as Prabowo handed the award to Suharto’s daughter and son.

Suharto, who died in 2008, was one of 10 people who received the title on Monday.

The deceased leader formally became President in 1967 after he seized control from Indonesia’s

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