Ministry of Defence Hoists Flag at Half-Mast Following Death of Juwono Sudarsono

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Defence building in Jakarta has hoisted the flag at half-mast to mark the passing of Juwono Sudarsono, who served as Defence Minister during the tenure of Indonesia’s 4th President Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur) and 6th President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY). The Red and White flag atop the main lobby of the Ministry of Defence building has been lowered to half-mast. Additionally, other Red and White flags in the outdoor areas have also been hoisted at half-mast. “Today marks the funeral procession for the Defence Minister of the 1999-2000 and 2004-2009 periods, Mr Juwono Sudarsono,” said the Head of the Defence Information Bureau of the Ministry of Defence, Brigadier General TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait, on Sunday. The procession for the lying in state of Juwono’s remains at the Ministry of Defence building was held from 08:00 WIB to 10:30 WIB. During this time, several prominent figures attended, including 6th President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, 10th and 12th Vice President Jusuf Kalla, current and former ministers, as well as relatives and family members. After the farewell ceremony concluded around 10:45 WIB, Juwono Sudarsono’s remains and the entourage proceeded directly to Kalibata Heroes Cemetery. The half-mast flags remained in place even after the various ceremonies for Juwono Sudarsono’s remains were completed. Previously, Juwono Sudarsono, who served as Defence Minister under 4th President Abdurrahman Wahid alias Gus Dur and 6th President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono alias SBY, has passed away. The Professor of International Relations at the University of Indonesia died on Saturday (28/3) at 13:45 WIB at Pondok Indah Hospital, Jakarta.