Former President SBY Misses Independence Day Ceremony for Medical Check-up

Former Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, widely known as SBY, was absent from the 81st Republic of Indonesia Independence Day ceremony held at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Monday, August 17, 2026. His son, Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono, or Ibas, explained that his father was undergoing a medical check-up that required a considerable amount of time, thus preventing his physical presence at the national event.

“

Alhamdulillah, I represent the extended family of Mr. SBY, and I am accompanied by my son, Erlangga. Incidentally, my wife is accompanying Mr. SBY who is undergoing a medical check-up.

"Alhamdulillah, I represent the extended family of Mr. SBY, and I am accompanied by my son, Erlangga. Incidentally, my wife is accompanying Mr. SBY who is undergoing a medical check-up," Ibas stated, as quoted by Detik. He further elaborated that the routine health examination necessitates a lengthy process, making it impossible for SBY to attend the ceremony in person.

“

We know the medical check-up process takes quite a long time, so this year, Mr. SBY has conveyed his message, which I am sure the media and journalists have heard directly.

Despite his physical absence, Ibas assured that SBY's heart remains with Indonesia. He conveyed his father's message, which had previously been shared with the public, expressing hope for the nation's progress. "We know the medical check-up process takes quite a long time, so this year, Mr. SBY has conveyed his message, which I am sure the media and journalists have heard directly," Ibas said. "However, even though he is far away, God willing, Mr. SBY's heart is still with Indonesia."

“

However, even though he is far away, God willing, Mr. SBY's heart is still with Indonesia.

Ibas requested prayers from the public for his father's continued good health. "God willing, please pray that Mr. SBY is in perfect health, can continue to serve the country we both love, and continues to guide the younger generation to rise and care for the motherland," he added. SBY's absence was not entirely unexpected, as the State Secretary's office had previously indicated that not all former presidents and vice presidents had confirmed their attendance. Notably, former President Megawati Soekarnoputri was also absent from the ceremony.

“

God willing, please pray that Mr. SBY is in perfect health, can continue to serve the country we both love, and continues to guide the younger generation to rise and care for the motherland.