Try Sutrisno Passes Away; Yusril: Indonesia Loses a Principled Statesman

Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Affairs Yusril Ihza Mahendra expressed profound condolences on the passing of Indonesia’s sixth Vice President, Try Sutrisno, who died at the age of 90. Yusril described Sutrisno as a simple and principled military officer and statesman who dedicated himself with sincerity to serving the nation.

“I and my family are deeply grieved by the passing of Mr Try Sutrisno. The Indonesian nation has lost a military figure and statesman of humble character, unwavering in principle, and full of sincerity in his service,” Yusril said in a written statement in Jakarta on Monday (2 March).

Yusril recalled his close relationship with the late Sutrisno, which had developed since the early 1980s, when Try Sutrisno served as Commander of Kodam Jaya in 1983. This relationship continued when Yusril began his duties at the State Secretariat in 1993, coinciding with Try’s early tenure as Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia.

“During that period, I was tasked with preparing presidential documents, including texts of the Vice President’s speeches, under the direction of State Secretary Moerdiono. I occasionally met with Mr Try. He was very kind, friendly, and appreciative of us who were still considered a young generation at that time,” he recalled.

According to Yusril, the profound impression left by Try Sutrisno was evident not only in his capacity as a state official but also in his simple and sincere personal conduct. Their interactions intensified when Yusril served as Minister of State Secretary and was tasked by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to communicate with Try regarding the idea of returning to the original 1945 Constitution.

“He was a sincere and steadfast person. In various national discussions, I witnessed his strong commitment to the constitution and the nation’s future. The simplicity of his life was also deeply memorable. I visited his residence in Menteng several times, and was always welcomed with warmth and kindness,” he explained.

Yusril regarded the late Sutrisno as an exemplary figure who demonstrated that service to the nation is not always realised through grand rhetoric, but rather through consistency, integrity, and humility throughout one’s life.

“On behalf of myself, my family, and the staff of the Coordinating Ministry for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Correctional Affairs, I offer my best prayers. May Almighty God accept all his deeds of worship, forgive all his shortcomings, and place him in the best place at His side. To the family he left behind, may they be given strength and patience,” Yusril concluded.

Try Sutrisno passed away at Gatot Subroto Military Hospital in Jakarta and was scheduled to be buried at Kalibata Heroes Cemetery in South Jakarta on the same day. Throughout his life, Try Sutrisno was recognised as one of Indonesia’s military figures who later held strategic positions in the New Order government, serving as an inspiration to young people in pursuing their aspirations despite coming from a humble background.