The nation bids farewell to a prominent figure as the remains of former Defense Minister, Juwono Sudarsono, arrived at the Ministry of Defense (Kemhan RI) office on Jalan Medan Merdeka Barat, Central Jakarta, for a solemn lying in state. The poignant ceremony commenced on Sunday, March 29th, at 08:01 AM Western Indonesian Time (WIB), marking the beginning of the final respects for the esteemed statesman.
Upon arrival, observed by kumparan at the scene, the casket bearing Juwono Sudarsono’s body was respectfully transported into a dedicated quiet room for the lying in state. A gathering of close family members and relatives accompanied the procession, their presence a testament to the profound impact he had on their lives and the nation. This quiet moment allowed for personal reflection and a private farewell before the public ceremony.
Brigadier General TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait, Head of the Public Relations and Defense Information Bureau (Karo Humas dan Infohan) of the Kemhan RI Secretariat General, announced the subsequent proceedings. Following the period of lying in state, a formal release ceremony for the body was scheduled for 11:00 AM WIB. “The plan is for the release from the Ministry of Defense to be conducted at 11:00, which will be led by the Deputy Minister of Defense, Donny Ermawan Taufanto,” Rico elaborated, highlighting the government’s official participation in honoring the former minister.
The journey to his final resting place will then commence. Rico confirmed that after the solemn release ceremony at the Ministry of Defense’s Bela Negara Field, Juwono Sudarsono’s body would be escorted to the Kalibata Heroes’ Cemetery for burial. This hallowed ground is reserved for those who have dedicated their lives to the service of the nation. The burial procession itself, a final tribute to a distinguished career, is set to be directly led by the Minister of Defense, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, who will serve as the inspector of the ceremony.
Juwono Sudarsono passed away at the age of 84, after a courageous four-year battle with stroke. His son, Vishnu Juwono, shared insights into his father’s final years with reporters at the funeral home on Saturday, March 28th. “His illness had lasted four years. He suffered his fourth stroke, which is why he had been out of the public eye for several years, focusing on his recovery,” Vishnu explained, shedding light on the private struggles of a public figure.
Throughout his illustrious life, Juwono Sudarsono was revered as a professor of International Relations, leaving an indelible mark on academia. His distinguished career also saw him hold several critical ministerial portfolios, showcasing his versatile expertise and commitment to public service. He notably served as the Minister of Education and Culture during President B.J. Habibie’s administration and later as the Minister of Environment during President Megawati Sukarnoputri’s tenure, in addition to his role as Defense Minister, underscoring his profound influence across various sectors of Indonesian governance.
Summary
The remains of former Defense Minister Juwono Sudarsono arrived at the Ministry of Defense (Kemhan RI) on Sunday, March 29th, at 08:01 AM WIB, for a solemn lying in state. A formal release ceremony was scheduled for 11:00 AM WIB, led by Deputy Minister of Defense Donny Ermawan Taufanto. Following this, his body will be escorted to Kalibata Heroes’ Cemetery for burial, with Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin serving as the inspector.
Juwono Sudarsono passed away at the age of 84 after a four-year battle with stroke. He was a revered professor of International Relations and served in several critical ministerial portfolios. These roles included Minister of Education and Culture, Minister of Environment, and Defense Minister, showcasing his profound influence across various sectors of Indonesian governance.