Family Tears Accompany the Funeral of Former Defence Minister Juwono Sudarsono

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The sobs of family members accompanied the funeral procession of former Indonesian Defence Minister (Menhan) Juwono Sudarsono, which was conducted with military honours at Kalibata Heroes’ Cemetery (TMP) in South Jakarta on Sunday (29/3/2026).

Based on observations at the site, the atmosphere of mourning was palpable when the body had been placed in the grave.

With slightly trembling hands, they scattered flowers into the pit, some unable to hold back their tears.

A woman was seen bowing her head, clutching a woven basket filled with flower petals, then slowly sprinkling them over the coffin.

On the other side, TNI soldiers in camouflage uniforms stood ready to escort the proceedings.

A line of officials and mourners stood neatly in the background, some saluting, others simply standing silently witnessing this final moment of farewell.

Previously reported, Defence Minister of the United Indonesia Cabinet era under President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Juwono Sudarsono, passed away on Saturday (28/3/2026). Juwono died after battling a stroke for four years.

This news was confirmed by the Head of the Defence Information Bureau of the General Secretariat of the Ministry of Defence, Brigadier General TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait.

“It is true (Juwono Sudarsono has passed away),” said Rico when contacted by Kompas.com on Saturday.

Rico stated that the body would be laid in state at the Quiet Room of the Ministry of Defence, Jakarta, on Sunday (29/3/2026) at 07:30 WIB.

After that, the body was buried at Kalibata Heroes’ Cemetery (TMP) in South Jakarta. The funeral ceremony was led by Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.