Profile of Juwono Sudarsono, Former Defence Minister in the Gus Dur-SBY Eras Who Has Passed Away

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Sorrow has enveloped the nation. Former Indonesian Minister of Defence Juwono Sudarsono breathed his last on Saturday (28/3/2026) at 13.45 WIB at Pondok Indah Hospital in South Jakarta.

The passing of this national figure, known as an academic and accomplished diplomat, was directly confirmed by the Head of Public Relations and Information Bureau of the Indonesian Ministry of Defence, Brigadier General TNI Rico Ricardo.

“It is true (the news of the passing),” said Rico briefly to Kompas.com on Saturday (28/3/2026).

Furthermore, Juwono is said to be buried at the Heroes’ Cemetery in Kalibata, South Jakarta.

According to the website of the Indonesian Ministry of Defence, this man born in Ciamis, West Java, on 5 March 1942, is known as a professional figure in the fields of defence and international relations.

Juwono was once appointed as Minister of Defence when Abdurrahman Wahid or Gus Dur served as the 4th President of Indonesia.

He served as Minister of Defence for the period 1999-2000.

After the regime changed, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono or SBY became the 6th President of Indonesia, Juwono was again trusted as Minister of Defence for the United Indonesia Cabinet Volume I from 29 October 2004 to 26 October 2009.

Several Draft Laws (RUU) related to “defence” issues were prepared and submitted to the DPR for approval into Law, including the Reserve Components Bill, National Security Bill, State Secrets Bill, Military Justice Bill, and Veterans Bill.