The Presidential Honour is an award bestowed by the president of Timor-Leste to recognise people who have contributed significantly to Timorese peace and stability.

Hendropriyono, 77, was listed as having a high-level command responsibility by the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation in Timor-Leste, which investigated human rights violations committed in the 24 years after the Indonesian invasion and concluded that 102,800 Timorese died as a direct result of its occupation.

On social media Timorese expressed outrage and disappointment, calling for President Jose Ramos Horta to explain the award and condemning the decision as going a step too far in efforts to maintain good relations with Indonesia.

“He was one of the main actors involved directly since the Indonesian military invaded this country,” Sisto dos Santo of civil society HAK Foundation told Sydney Morning Herald.

“What our president Mr Horta did is not representative of the names of the victims and the families of the victims. The president has just promoted impunity, not only for Timorese but Indonesian people.”

Horta has yet to comment on the award, but his office told Australian media that he would explain it in due course.

Hendropriyono has close ties with Indonesia President Joko Widodo and is the father-in-law of General Andika Perkasa, the head of Indonesia’s armed forces.

Insiders close to Jakarta say the award is linked to Timor-Leste’s push to become a member of regional bloc ASEAN, which Indonesia will chair in 2023.