The Legacy of Service of Juwono Sudarsono, the Minister Across Four Presidential Eras

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The nation is in mourning. Under a sombre sky, the funeral procession of former Indonesian Defence Minister Juwono Sudarsono took place solemnly at Kalibata Heroes’ Cemetery (TMP) in South Jakarta on Sunday (29/3/2026).

The crack of the salute and the marching steps of the troops accompanied the departure of a scholar who dedicated his entire life to the nation.

The family’s sobs broke as the coffin was slowly lowered into the grave.

The military ceremony served as the final mark of the state’s respect for a figure known not only as a public official but also as a respected defence thinker.

For the sixth President of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Juwono was an intellectual figure with ideas that transcended his time.

SBY recalled him from his youth, when Juwono was active as an academic at the University of Indonesia.

From classrooms to discussion forums, his ideas on international relations and defence were known to be sharp and visionary.

“He was one of the thinkers, lecturers, even the dean of FISIP UI at that time. But his ideas, his thoughts were brilliant for Indonesia, for the world of international relations and defence,” said SBY at the Ministry of Defence, Jakarta, on Sunday (29/3/2026).

Their closeness continued as Indonesia entered the reform era.

They shared the same view, that the TNI must return to its true essence as a defence force, not a tool for practical politics.

This shared vision was what led SBY, during his presidency, to again entrust the position of Defence Minister to Juwono.

Together, they conceptualised the strengthening of the national defence system, including the establishment of the Defence University and the peacekeeping mission area in Sentul, Bogor.

“That too, I cannot forget the role of Mr Juwono Sudarsono, the role of Mr Purnomo, and also the role of Mr Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin as deputy defence minister back then,” he said.