Speaking after paying his respects at the Defense Ministry headquarters, SBY remembered Sudarsono as a University of Indonesia scholar whose insights enriched discussions on international relations and defense.
"Mr. Juwono shared my conviction that the military should return to its proper role as a dependable defense institution, not engaging in political affairs, during my military service in the 1998 era," he told the press on Sunday.
The former president highlighted that their relationship dated back to his duty as a junior officer at the Staff and Command School of the Indonesian Army. He described Sudarsono as a discussion partner at the time.
He added that their shared perspectives eventually led him to appoint Sudarsono as defense minister under his administration from 2004 to 2009. It was Sudarsono's second non-consecutive term after becoming the first civilian to hold the post under the fourth president, Abdurrahman Wahid.
SBY went on to say that the former defense minister focused his second term on modernizing Indonesia's defense posture by developing systems and equipment. The two figures agreed that Indonesia's military must continue advancing at the regional level.
Highlighting diplomatic prowess, he lauded Sudarsono for initiating peacekeeping missions aimed at strengthening Indonesia's capacity to address crises both at home and abroad.
"His service was of great help because I placed both defense and diplomacy as equally important during my administration," SBY said.
On that note, the ex-president called on the wider public to follow in Sudarsono's steps in mastering both defense and diplomacy, stressing that matters related to Indonesia's security extend beyond military responsibilities.
Juwono Sudarsono passed away at Pondok Indah Hospital in Jakarta on Saturday (March 28). He received a military funeral with full honors at the Kalibata Heroes' Cemetery in the capital on Sunday. Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin presided over the ceremony.
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Translator: Bagus Ahmad, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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