Complete Profile of the Late Try Sutrisno, Vice President with Military Background

Retired General Try Sutrisno passed away at the age of 90 years and 3 months at Gatot Soebroto Central Military Hospital (RSPAD), Central Jakarta, on Monday, 2 March. He drew his final breath in CICU Room 207, Floor 2 at 06:58 WIB, following a decline in his health condition.

Throughout his life, Try Sutrisno was recognised as one of the military figures who subsequently occupied strategic positions within the New Order government. The following is his complete profile.

Try Sutrisno came from a humble family background in Surabaya. His father worked as an ambulance driver for the city health service. During the revolutionary period, he served as a courier for Republican forces and even had to help support his family’s economy by selling cigarettes and newspapers.

He completed his military education at the Army Engineering Academy (Atekad) in 1959. He had been involved in military operations since 1957 in suppressing the PRRI rebellion.

Try Sutrisno’s career developed rapidly from the 1970s onwards:

As Commander of the Armed Forces, he led various national security operations, including handling conflicts in Aceh and East Timor.

Try Sutrisno served as Indonesia’s sixth Vice President alongside President Soekarno during the 1993–1998 period. He was one of the Vice Presidents with a strong military background, having previously served as Commander of the Armed Forces.

During his tenure, he was known as a figure who was quite popular amongst military circles and moderate Islamic groups.

Try Sutrisno was among the military figures who exercised considerable influence within New Order power structures. He occupied the apex of the military hierarchy before entering the inner circle of government as Vice President. In Indonesian political history, he exemplifies a military figure who transformed into a national political actor.

State Secretary Minister (Mensesneg) Prasetyo Hadi issued a statement regarding the passing of Indonesia’s sixth Vice President, Retired General Try Sutrisno.

Try Sutrisno was recognised as a figure who could serve as an inspiration to the younger generation in pursuing their ambitions, despite coming from a humble background.