Jakarta (The Indonsian News) — The family of the late Mohamad Roem has expressed its gratitude to President Prabowo Subianto for conferring the title of National Hero on the prominent diplomat and independence figure.
The title was formally presented during a ceremony at the State Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. The award was established under Presidential Decree No. 93/TK/2026.
Roem’s great-granddaughter, Marsha Jufriza, said the family was grateful that the state had recognized her great-grandfather’s struggle and service. Roem was a prominent political figure and diplomat who played an important role in defending Indonesia’s independence through negotiations.
“My name is Marsha Jufriza, and I am Mohamad Roem’s great-granddaughter. Mohamad Roem was a fighter who served the country through diplomacy and politics,” Marsha said.
One of Roem’s most significant contributions was his role in the Roem–Van Roijen Agreement. He was also involved in several important negotiations that shaped Indonesia’s path as an independent nation, including the Linggadjati negotiations and the Round Table Conference.
“He was instrumental in the Roem–Van Roijen Agreement and also took part in the Linggadjati negotiations and the Round Table Conference,” she said.
Marsha thanked President Prabowo for recognizing Roem’s contributions. She said the award represented the state’s acknowledgment of diplomacy’s role in the nation’s history.
“Thank you to Mr. Prabowo for giving Grandpa Roem and our family the opportunity to receive this National Hero award,” she said.
She also welcomed the state’s recognition of Roem’s service as foreign minister and his important role in the Roem–Van Roijen Agreement.
“Thank you for recognizing Grandpa Roem’s contributions as foreign minister and as a key figure behind the Roem–Van Roijen Agreement,” she added.
For the family, the award is not only a tribute to Roem but also a reminder that Indonesia’s struggle to defend its independence took many forms. Alongside armed resistance, diplomacy played a major role in advancing the country’s sovereignty and securing international recognition.
Marsha expressed hope that the government would continue to recognize diplomats and other figures who fought for Indonesia through negotiations. She said Roem’s example could inspire future generations of Indonesian diplomats to advance the country’s interests on the international stage.
“I hope that more diplomats will receive greater recognition from the government in the future,” she said.
The 19 National Hero Award Recipients
A total of 19 figures received the title of National Hero. Listed below in the order in which the presidential decree was read:
- Police General (Ret.) Hoegeng Iman Santoso — Jakarta.
- R.M. Margono Djojohadikusumo — Central Java.
- Ali Sastroamidjojo — East Java.
- Abdoel Moethalib Sangadji — Maluku.
- Franciscus Xaverius Seda — East Nusa Tenggara.
- Sutan Takdir Alisjahbana — Jakarta.
- Marine Corps General (Ret.) Ali Sadikin — Jakarta.
- Sultan Muhammad Ali Abdul Jalil Muazzam Syah (Marhum Pekan) — Riau.
- Army General (Ret.) Maraden Panggabean — North Sumatra.
- Major General (Ret.) Soengkono — East Java.
- Air Force Marshal (Ret.) R. Suryadi Suryadarma — West Java.
- KH M. Yusuf Hasyim — East Java.
- KH Wasyid — Banten.
- Muslim Muhammad Khalifah (Kiai Modjo) — North Sulawesi.
- Mohamad Roem — Jakarta.
- KH Abbas Abdul Jamil — West Java.
- Army General (Ret.) M. Jusuf — South Sulawesi.
- Sultan Ibrahim Chaliluddin — East Kalimantan.
- Lt. Col. Moch. Sroedji — East Java.
Source: Government Communications Agency of the Republic of Indonesia (Bakom RI)
