SBY And Jusuf Kalla Pay Respects To Juwono Sudarsono At Defense Ministry

Saputra Berry    Sunday, March 29, 2026    Comment   

SBY And Jusuf Kalla Pay Respects To Juwono Sudarsono At Defense Ministry

SBY and Jusuf Kalla pay respects to Juwono Sudarsono at the Defense Ministry. SBY highlights his major role in modernizing Indonesia’s defense.

Jakarta – A somber atmosphere filled the Ministry of Defense building on Sunday (March 29, 2026), as Indonesia’s 6th President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, widely known as SBY, paid his respects at the wake of former Defense Minister Juwono Sudarsono.

SBY arrived at approximately 10:10 a.m. local time. Earlier, Indonesia’s 10th and 12th Vice President Jusuf Kalla had already visited the site around 9:30 a.m.

Their presence reflects the high level of respect for Juwono Sudarsono, who was widely regarded as one of Indonesia’s most influential defense thinkers.

SBY: A Great Son Of The Nation

Speaking to reporters after paying his respects, SBY expressed deep condolences and described the late Juwono as an important figure in Indonesia’s history.

“We have lost one of the nation’s finest sons, the late Prof. Dr. Juwono Sudarsono. I knew him personally,” SBY said.

He emphasized that Juwono was not just a government official, but also a brilliant intellectual who contributed significantly to shaping Indonesia’s defense strategy.

Key Role In Defense Modernization

SBY recalled that during his tenure, Juwono played a strategic role in advancing the modernization of Indonesia’s military capabilities.

Notably, Juwono came from a civilian background, bringing fresh perspectives into the defense sector.

One of the major initiatives discussed during that time, according to SBY, was the establishment of Indonesia’s Defense University.

“One of the ideas we developed with Mr. Juwono and later with Mr. Purnomo Yusgiantoro as Defense Minister was how Indonesia could establish a Defense University,” he explained.

This initiative later became a key milestone in developing highly skilled human resources in national defense.

A Brilliant And Inspiring Figure

Juwono Sudarsono was widely known as a calm, intelligent, and insightful figure, particularly in global security and strategic affairs.

His passing leaves a deep sense of loss, not only for his family but also for the nation that benefited from his contributions.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Who was Juwono Sudarsono?
He was a former Indonesian Defense Minister and a respected academic in defense and strategic studies.

2. When did SBY visit the wake?
SBY paid his respects on March 29, 2026, at around 10:10 a.m.

3. Who else attended the wake?
Jusuf Kalla also attended earlier at around 9:30 a.m.

4. What were Juwono’s main contributions?
He played a key role in modernizing Indonesia’s defense and initiating the Defense University.

5. What did SBY say about him?
SBY described him as one of the nation’s finest sons and a brilliant figure.

Profile Of Juwono Sudarsono, Indonesia’s First Civilian Defense Minister Dies

Saputra Berry    Sunday, March 29, 2026    Comment   

Profile Of Juwono Sudarsono, Indonesia’s First Civilian Defense Minister Dies

Profile of Juwono Sudarsono, Indonesia’s first civilian Defense Minister who passed away. Discover his career, education, and contributions to national defense.

Indonesia has lost one of its prominent figures in politics and defense. Juwono Sudarsono, who served as Minister of Defense from 2004 to 2009, passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 1:45 PM WIB at RSPI Pondok Indah Hospital, South Jakarta.

His body will lie in state at the Ministry of Defense on Sunday, March 29, 2026, starting at 7:30 AM. The funeral ceremony is scheduled to take place at Kalibata Heroes Cemetery and will be led by the current Minister of Defense.

First Civilian Defense Minister In Indonesian History

Juwono Sudarsono holds a significant place in Indonesia’s history as the first civilian to serve as Minister of Defense after decades of military leadership from 1959 to 1999.

His appointment marked an important milestone in Indonesia’s reform era, reinforcing civilian supremacy in national defense governance.

Family Background And Education

Juwono was born in Ciamis, West Java, on March 5, 1942. He was the son of Sudarsono, a former Indonesian Minister of Home Affairs during the Sjahrir Cabinet.

His academic background was highly distinguished:

• Graduated from the University of Indonesia (UI)

• Continued his studies at the University of California, Berkeley (1970)

• Studied at the London School of Economics and Political Science (1975)

This international education helped shape his global outlook and policy approach.

Academic And Diplomatic Career

Before entering government, Juwono was widely known as a respected academic in international relations.

Key positions he held include:

• Professor of International Relations at the University of Indonesia (1988–2020)

• Dean of FISIP UI (1988–1994)

• Visiting Professor at Columbia University (1986–1987)

• Vice Governor of the National Resilience Institute (Lemhanas)

He was recognized for bridging academic insight with real-world policy.

Government And Political Career

Juwono Sudarsono had a long and cross-era political career:

• Minister of Environment (1998) under President Soeharto

• Minister of Education and Culture (1998–1999)

• Minister of Defense (1999–2000) under President Abdurrahman Wahid

• Indonesian Ambassador to the United Kingdom (2003–2004)

• Minister of Defense (2004–2009) under President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono

His continued appointments under different administrations reflected strong trust in his leadership and expertise.

Major Contributions To Indonesia’s Defense Sector

During his tenure as Defense Minister, Juwono played a key role in:

• Promoting military modernization

• Strengthening civilian oversight in defense policy

• Advancing defense diplomacy strategies

He was also known for integrating academic perspectives into national defense strategies.

A Humble And Influential Intellectual Figure

Beyond his achievements, Juwono was widely respected as a humble and dedicated intellectual. Many regarded him as a true statesman who served the nation with integrity and wisdom.

His passing marks a significant loss for Indonesia, particularly in the fields of defense and education.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Who was Juwono Sudarsono?
Juwono Sudarsono was Indonesia’s Minister of Defense (2004–2009) and the first civilian to hold the position.

2. When did Juwono Sudarsono pass away?
He passed away on March 28, 2026, in Jakarta.

3. What were his major contributions?
He contributed to defense reform and strengthened civilian roles in military governance.

4. What was his educational background?
He studied at the University of Indonesia, UC Berkeley, and the London School of Economics.

5. Where will he be buried?
He is scheduled to be buried at Kalibata Heroes Cemetery in Jakarta.