Indonesia’s former President Muhammad Soeharto , whose three-decade rule was marred by accusations of mass human rights violations, was posthumously named a “national hero” on Monday, causing backlash.

The title was conferred in a ceremony presided over by President Prabowo Subianto , a former military general and Soeharto’s former son-in-law, despite protests by pro-democracy activists and the families of those affected by the former leader’s iron-fisted rule.

Backed by the United States during the Cold War, Soeharto used the military to dominate civilian affairs and crush dissent.

He was also accused of massive corruption and nepotism benefiting his family and cronies, although no charge was proven and he never went on trial due to his failing health.

So who was Soeharto, who rul

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