SBY Remembers the Time When Hendropriyono Was His Mentor

Sixth President of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), visited Kraton Majapahit in Jakarta, which was initiated by former Head of the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) AM Hendropriyono. SBY described Hendro as his mentor. SBY visited Kraton Majapahit on Tuesday (31/3/2026). SBY recalled moments when he was still a major or lieutenant colonel, while Hendropriyono had already become a brigadier general. Despite the seniority gap, Hendropriyono provided valuable opportunities to SBY and his colleague, Agus Wirahadikusuma, who were then young officers. That opportunity came when Indonesia hosted the Non-Aligned Movement summit in 1992. SBY admitted he learned a great deal from that experience, especially through direct interactions with world leaders, such as 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. Not only that, SBY also remembered the time when he was trusted to assist Hendropriyono while serving as Assistant Operations for the Jakarta Regional Command. At that time, the security situation in the capital was heating up and required intensive monitoring. In that situation, SBY and Hendropriyono even conducted aerial surveillance using a helicopter to ensure Jakarta’s security remained under control. They directly inspected the city centre area and landed at a strategic point for situation evaluation. SBY also mentioned the role of Wiranto, who was then the Jakarta Regional Command Chief, when he had already reached the rank of colonel. That experience further enriched his military career journey. Another memorable memory was when SBY was entrusted to lead the Yogyakarta region as Commander of the Military Resort Command. During his inauguration moment, Hendropriyono was present in person to provide support and encouragement. “For me, that was very meaningful,” SBY expressed.