Former Defence Minister Juwono Sudarsono, a Figure Who Devoted His Life to the Nation

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Former Indonesian Defence Minister Juwono Sudarsono is known as a figure who devoted his entire life to the nation. It is known that Juwono passed away at Pondok Indah Hospital in South Jakarta on Saturday (28/3/2026) at around 13:45 WIB. He also assessed various contributions of Juwono, both during his tenure as Minister of Education and Minister of Defence, which can serve as an example for future generations. Yudha also clarified the notion that Juwono was Indonesia’s first civilian Defence Minister. He explained that there had previously been other civilian figures who had held that position. “There were many tasks leading up to the reformasi, one of which was trying to ensure that TNI businesses and so on could be regulated more balanced and properly. But that was also a good start for us moving forward,” he said. Juwono Sudarsono first joined the government as Minister of State for the Environment in Soeharto’s Seventh Development Cabinet. During President BJ Habibie’s Reform Development Cabinet, Juwono Sudarsono served as Minister of Education and Culture. Then, he served as Defence Minister during Indonesia’s fourth President, Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur), for the period 1999–2000. During the tenure of Indonesia’s sixth President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), Juwono was again entrusted as Defence Minister in the United Indonesia Cabinet I from 29 October 2004 until 26 October 2009. After that, Juwono will be buried at the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery in South Jakarta, with a ceremony led by Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.