SBY's Tribute to Try Sutrisno: Above All He Was a Statesman

Presiding from Jakarta, former Indonesia’s 6th President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) has commemorated the late 6th Vice President Try Sutrisno, praising him as a figure worthy of emulation both as a soldier and as a leader.

“He was a patriotic soldier, a leader, and a role model with his family. Above all, he was a statesman,” SBY stated after attending the funeral procession at Kalibata Heroes Cemetery in Jakarta on Monday, 2 March 2026.

Try Sutrisno’s remains were laid to rest at Kalibata Heroes Cemetery with a military ceremony presided over directly by President Prabowo Subianto as ceremony inspector. The solemn proceedings were attended by numerous state officials, national figures, and the deceased’s family.

His grave was placed adjacent to the burial sites of Pramono Edhie Wibowo and Ani Yudhoyono, and in close proximity to the tombs of Indonesia’s 3rd President Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie and his wife Hasri Ainun Besari.

Try Sutrisno was born on 15 November 1935 in Surabaya, East Java, and was among Indonesia’s Vice Presidents to emerge from military ranks. He was accepted as a cadet at the Army Engineering Academy (Atekad) in 1956.

Try Sutrisno became acquainted with President Suharto during the Operation to Liberate West Irian in 1962. He was subsequently selected as Suharto’s aide-de-camp in 1974.

Whilst serving as Deputy Commander of the Armed Forces, in June 1986—just ten months after his appointment—Try was promoted to Armed Forces Commander, replacing Rudini. The People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) of the 1992-1997 period then elected Try Sutrisno as Vice President to accompany Suharto during its General Session in 1993.

His tenure as Vice President ended in 1998 and was succeeded by BJ. Habibie during an MPR General Session.