SBY Absent from 81st Indonesian Independence Day Ceremony, Undergoes Medical Check-up
Former Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) did not attend the 81st Independence Day ceremony at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Monday (17/8/2026). His son, Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono, known as Ibas, said his father was undergoing a medical check-up at the time of the ceremony.
“Alhamdulillah, I represent the family of Mr SBY, accompanied by my son, Erlangga. My wife is currently accompanying Mr SBY, who is undergoing a medical check-up,” Ibas said at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Monday (17/8), as quoted by Detik.
Ibas, who serves as Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) from the Democratic Party faction, said the medical check-up required a considerable amount of time, which prevented SBY from attending the ceremony in person.
Despite being away from the ceremony venue, Ibas assured that SBY’s heart remained with Indonesia. He also conveyed a message from SBY that had previously been shared with the public.
“We know the medical check-up process takes quite a long time, so this year Mr SBY has entrusted his message, which I am sure the media and fellow journalists have already heard directly,” Ibas said.
“However, even from afar, God willing, Mr SBY’s heart remains with Indonesia,” he added.
Ibas did not elaborate further on SBY’s health condition. He only asked the public to pray that his father remains in good health.
“God willing, please pray that Mr SBY is healthy and well, and can continue to serve the country we all love and continue to guide the younger generation to rise and care for our homeland,” Ibas said.
SBY’s absence had actually been announced by the government several days before the ceremony. Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said invitations had been sent to former presidents and vice presidents, but at that time confirmation of attendance from all figures had not yet been received.
“Not all confirmations are complete yet because some have just contacted us, and were only received by the families today, both former presidents and former vice presidents,” Prasetyo said at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Wednesday (12/8).
Prasetyo then confirmed that SBY was one of the former presidents unable to attend this year’s ceremony. According to him, SBY was undergoing a routine medical check-up abroad.
“But what we can inform you is that one of them, President SBY, happens to be undergoing a medical check-up, actually just a routine examination. So it is very likely that he will not be able to attend the Proclamation Seconds Ceremony,” Prasetyo said.
Besides SBY, former President Megawati Soekarnoputri was also not seen attending the 81st Independence Day ceremony at Merdeka Palace. The Chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) attended the 81st Independence Day commemoration ceremony at the PDIP Party School in Lenteng Agung, South Jakarta.
On that occasion, Megawati delivered a speech that largely highlighted the struggle of Indonesia’s first president and her father, Soekarno, also known as Bung Karno, in achieving Indonesia’s independence.