SBY Remembers AM Hendropriyono as a Mentor During His Military Career

Sixth President of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), reminisced about moments from his military career alongside former Head of the State Intelligence Agency (BIN), AM Hendropriyono. During a visit to the Kraton Majapahit on Tuesday (31/3), SBY referred to Hendro as his mentor. SBY recalled times when he held the rank of major or lieutenant colonel, while Hendropriyono had already advanced to brigadier general. Despite the seniority gap, Hendropriyono offered valuable opportunities to SBY and his colleague, Agus Wirahadikusuma, who were then considered young officers. This opportunity arose when Indonesia hosted the Non-Aligned Movement summit in 1992. SBY admitted he learned a great deal from the experience, particularly through direct interactions with world leaders, including presidents, prime ministers, and other high-ranking officials. “That became a beautiful memory for me. Therefore, I dare to say that Pak Hendro was also our mentor,” SBY stated, as quoted by detikcom on Thursday (2/4). Not only that, SBY also remembered the moment when he was entrusted to assist Hendropriyono while he served as Assistant Operations for the Jakarta Regional Command (Kasdam Jaya). At that time, the security situation in the capital was heating up and required intensive monitoring. In those conditions, SBY and Hendropriyono even conducted aerial surveillance using a helicopter to ensure Jakarta’s security remained under control. They inspected the city centre directly and landed at a strategic point for situation evaluation. SBY also mentioned the role of Wiranto, who was then Kasdam Jaya, when he had reached the rank of colonel. That experience further enriched his military career journey. Another equally memorable recollection was when SBY was given the responsibility to lead the Yogyakarta region as Commander of the Yogyakarta Military Resort Command (Korem). During his inauguration, Hendropriyono was present in person to offer support and encouragement. “For me, that was very meaningful,” SBY expressed.