Gen. (ret) Surono launches biography

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)