President Jokowi Leads Military Funeral of Ani Yudhoyono

President Jokowi symbolically buries Ani Yudhoyono at Kalibata Heroes Cemetery, Jakarta, Sunday (2/6). (Photo: Rahmat/PR)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo led the military funeral ceremony of late Ani Yudhoyono, wife of the sixth President of Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, at the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery, Jakarta, Sunday (2/6).

“On behalf of the state, the nation and the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), I offer her body along with her legacy to the motherland,” President Jokowi said during the ceremony.

The President went on saying that Ani had dedicated her life for the nation and actively been involved in numerous humanitarian activities, including illiteracy eradication, national crafts development, as well as women, children and family empowerment.

Moreover, the former First Lady also gave her full support in providing health services, preserving environment and culture, and giving concern for the community in disasters, conflict and border areas, President Jokowi added.

For her great service and dedication to the nation, the Indonesian Government has awarded her the Maha Putra Adi Pradana Star in 2011.

“I wish her devotion will inspire us all and may she rest in peace,” said the President.

President Jokowi also urged the Indonesian people to send prayers for the late Ani Yudhoyono.

“May God receive her well and forgive all of her mistakes. She may have gone but her legacy will remain alive in our hearts,” the President said.

Ani Yudhoyono passed away at 67 years old in Singapore at 11:50 a.m. local time on Saturday after battling blood cancer.

Translated by: Estu Widyamurti
Edited by: M. Ersan Pamungkas