Gen. (ret) Surono launches biography

JAKARTA (JP): The chairman of the 1945 Generation National Council, Gen. (ret) Surono, celebrated his 75th birthday Saturday with the launching of his biography.

Addressing an audience, most of whom were former military colleagues and younger active generals, Surono said the book was meant to present the younger generation with heroic values and the spirit of the 1945 generation.

Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Soesilo Soedarman described Surono as one of the country's best known figures, known for his heroic examples.

"Surono is such a low-profile person, simple and always precise in performing his duties," Soesilo said at the book launching.

The book titled Surono: Freedom Fighter, Teacher, Athlete and Cultural Observer tells of Surono's military career, from a young soldier to his retirement from military service.

Born in Banyumas, Central Java, Surono married Suwarti and had five children.

He started his military career at his hometown in 1943 as a young soldier for the Japanese-created Peta (Defender of the Country) military group.

One of his military highlights was his assignment as Armed Forces deputy chief in 1974. He held the post until 1978 when he was appointed coordinating minister for people's welfare.

From 1983 to 1988 Surono was coordinating minister for political affairs and security.

The biography was written by Solichin Salam, who has also authored the biographies of first president Sukarno, first vice president Mohammad Hatta, former prime minister Sjahrir, Gen. Soedirman, former vice president Adam Malik, State Minister of Research and Technology B.J. Habibie and Soesilo Soedarman.

Present at Saturday's ceremony were chairman of the Supreme Advisory Council Sudomo, former chief of the Army's Strategic and Reserves Command Let. Gen. (ret) Achmad Kemal Idris, former Jakarta governors R. Soeprapto and Wiyogo Atmodarminto, former Armed Forces chief of sociopolitical affairs Lt. Gen. Syarwan Hamid and Secretary of Development Operations Lt. Gen. A.M. Hendropriyono. (imn)