Kristiani Herrawati Yudhoyono, wife of former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) was finally laid to rest at the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery, South Jakarta on Sunday, 2nd June.
President Joko Widodo led the proceedings for the military funeral of the former first lady. A group of government officials gathered at the cemetery to pay their last respects.
Former Indonesian presidents Megawati Soekarnoputri and Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie were present at the funeral, along with former first lady Sinta Nuriyah Wahid. Governors of Central, West and East Java provinces were also in attendance.
Mrs. Yudhoyono, who would have been 67 in July, succumbed to blood cancer after undergoing four months of medical treatment at the National University Hospital, Singapore. President Jokowi delivered a heartfelt speech about Mrs. Yudhoyono’s many contributions to Indonesia. “We, the people of Indonesia, have lost one of our greatest female figures,” he said.
“She was a first lady who was full of compassion, a sincere humanitarian, a mother of a happy family who consistently set an example for the country as a first lady, wife, and mother,” the president added.
Mrs. Yudhoyono’s son, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, proceeded to deliver a eulogy on behalf of the Yudhoyono family. Agus praised his mother’s strength and courage in fighting cancer. He also regarded Mrs. Yudhoyono as a role model for her children and grandchildren – who fondly addressed her as ‘Memo’.
“Farewell, Memo! We love you and we will miss you forever,” a tearful Agus uttered. He also expressed his gratitude to everyone who took the time to offer their condolences and sympathy to the Yudhoyono family during the difficult times.
Source: The Jakarta Post
Image: Detik