Sukarno's widow regrets assault on staff at Tokyo trial

Dewi Sukarno, the 86-year-old widow of former Indonesian president Sukarno and a Japanese TV personality, expressed "very regretful" sentiments in court on June 23 regarding her violent behavior towards her assistant and manager in 2025. She broadly admitted to the charges of assault during the first hearing at the Tokyo District Court.

Prosecutors detailed two incidents: one where Dewi allegedly threw a champagne glass at her assistant during a restaurant argument in Shibuya Ward, and another where she struck her manager in the stomach and chest at an animal hospital. The manager had taken Dewi's dog to the hospital, but the animal died before Dewi arrived, according to Tokyo police.

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I am very regretful.

While Dewi stated she did not clearly recall the incidents, she acknowledged her actions were inappropriate, even when enraged. Known as "Madame Dewi" in Japan, she previously led a political organization focused on animal welfare. The court appearance has had financial repercussions, with Dewi disclosing about 90 million yen (S$722,000) in losses from cancelled television appearances following the incidents.

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I should not have thrown objects at people, even if I was enraged.