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Sugiono
Sugiono (born 11 February 1979) is an Indonesian politician currently serving as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, a position he assumed in 2024 under President Prabowo Subianto's administration.[1] Prior to his appointment as foreign minister, Sugiono held the role of Deputy Chairman of the First Commission of the House of Representatives from 2019 to 2024, where he was responsible for overseeing defense, foreign affairs, and communications.[2] Early life and educationSugiono was born on 11 February 1979, in Takengon, Aceh, Indonesia. In 1994, he was selected to attend the prestigious Taruna Nusantara High School, where he met his classmate Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, whom he even challenged for the position of chairman of their school's student council.[3] Upon graduation, he received scholarship to study at Norwich University in the United States, where he earned a BS degree in computer science. He later obtained a Master of Business and Master of Management from the University of Konstanz in Germany. CareerEarly careerAfter completing his undergraduate education, Sugiono served in the Indonesian Army from 2002 to 2004, where he reached the rank of first lieutenant in the infantry unit. His brief military service laid the groundwork for his later roles in public service. He then worked as a personal secretary to Prabowo Subianto and when Prabowo declared the formation of Gerindra as a political party, Sugiono became one of the first members of the party, marking the start of his political career.[3] House of RepresentativesSugiono entered national politics in 2019 when he was elected to the House of Representatives representing the Central Java I constituency under the banner of the Gerindra Party. During his tenure, he played an active role in the First Commission, focusing on defense, foreign affairs, and communications. He served in this capacity until his appointment as a cabinet minister in October 2024. Minister of Foreign AffairsOn 20 October 2024, President Prabowo Subianto appointed Sugiono as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, succeeding Retno Marsudi. His deputies include Anis Matta, Arrmanatha Christiawan Nasir, and Arif Havas Oegroseno. In a press conference of his appointment, Sugiono said he will balance Indonesia's diplomatic relationship between China and United States to realize Indonesia's free and active foreign policy.[4] Shortly after his appointment, Sugiono made his first official international visit to attend the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, as Indonesia’s representative.[5] Sugiono envisions Indonesia's BRICS membership as a strategic move to amplify its voice on the global stage. He believes that active participation in BRICS will drive economic development and foster stronger trade relations.[6] In his maiden foreign policy speech on January 10, 2025, Sugiono highlighted Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto’s policies, saying active participation in peace-keeping effort at the ASEAN and United Nations level will be one of the country’s key moves. He said the country’s foreign policy should be implemented in line with Indonesia’s domestic development priorities, laying out two development priorities of the President – food security and the nation-wide campaign of nutrition intervention through free meals program.[7] Political viewsSugiono is regarded by Gerindra members as Prabowo's "ideological" son. This is due to his close working relationship with Prabowo way back from his role as personal secretary and Prabowo often talked with him on many different topics. He is considered as one of the members of Prabowo's inner circle. Gerindra members viewed that Sugiono may also have taken similar political stances with Prabowo, known to be smart in responding to problems and a decisive thinker.[3] To foster a robust and dynamic ASEAN region, Indonesia expressed full support for ASEAN Community Vision 2045, to be adopted at the Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2025.Speaking at ASEAN’s Foreign Minister’s (AMM) retreat in Langkawi, Malaysia, Indonesia’s foreign minister, Sugiono, stressed that the time to tackle regional challenges in isolation is over. Sugiono advocated strengthening ASEAN mechanisms, like ASEAN Regional Forum, the East Asia Forum and the ASEAN institute for Peace and Reconciliation.[8] Speaking at the ASEAN’s Foreign Minister’s (AMM) retreat in Langkawi, Sugiono said Indonesia welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. He said that for the Palestinians to reconstruct their lives, its crucial for the ceasefire deal to be executed quickly and comprehensively. Sugiono said: “We must continue to call for the resumption of the peace process towards a two-state solution, based on internationally agreed parameters” Personal lifeSugiono is married to Marlyn Maisarah, and they have one child. References
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