Remembering Former Defence Minister Juwono Sudarsono, Ibas: His Services to Indonesia Are Immense

Jakarta, VIVA – Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI) Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono (Ibas) has conveyed deep condolences over the passing of former Indonesian Defence Minister Juwono Sudarsono on Saturday, 28 March 2026.

Ibas views Juwono not merely as a state official, but as a great intellectual, a teacher of the nation, and a true technocrat who dedicated his entire life to Indonesia’s progress across generations of leadership.

“Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. Today, Indonesia mourns. We have lost one of the nation’s finest sons, a humble sage of international relations and defence studies. On behalf of myself, my family, and the Democrat Party Faction, I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family,” Ibas stated in Jakarta on Sunday, 29 March 2026.

Ibas remembers Juwono as a unique figure trusted by various eras of national leadership, from President Soeharto to Indonesia’s sixth President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY). His dedication as Defence Minister under Presidents Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur) and SBY marked significant history in the reform of the national defence and security sector.

“He was a figure capable of bridging various political dynamics with extraordinary professionalism and integrity. His services are immense in laying the foundation for a modern national defence while upholding democratic values,” Ibas explained.

He also highlighted the multifaceted roles of the late Juwono, who served as Minister of Education and Culture under President Habibie and as State Minister for the Environment.

“He is a true example of complete public service. Wherever he was placed, he always upheld the highest moral and intellectual standards,” he said.

As MPR RI leader, Ibas also admires the late figure’s consistency in the field of education as a Professor of International Relations at the University of Indonesia. According to him, Prof. Juwono’s intellectual legacy will live on through thousands of his students and scholarly works.

“The series of awards he received, from the Bintang Mahaputera Adipradana to the most recent Bintang Mahaputera Adipurna from President Prabowo Subianto in August 2025, is clear evidence that the state greatly values the sincerity of his dedication. He teaches us that power is a trust to educate and serve,” Ibas emphasised.