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In this Indonesian name, there is no family name nor a patronymic, and the person should be referred to by the given name, Try.
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Try Sutrisno
Try Sutrisno, 1993.jpg
Official portrait, 1993
6th Vice President of Indonesia
In office
11 March 1993 – 11 March 1998
President Suharto
Preceded by Sudharmono
Succeeded by B. J. Habibie
9th Commander of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Indonesia
In office
27 February 1988 – 19 February 1993
President Suharto
Preceded by General Benny Moerdani
Succeeded by General Edi Sudradjat [id]
15th Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army
In office
7 June 1986 – 2 February 1988
President Suharto
Preceded by General Rudini [id]
Succeeded by General Edi Sudradjat
General Chairmen PBSI
In office
1985–1993
Preceded by Ferry Sonneville
Succeeded by Soerjadi
Personal details
Born (1935-11-15)15 November 1935
Soerabaja, Dutch East Indies
Died 2 March 2026(2026-03-02) (aged 90)
Jakarta, Indonesia
Resting place Kalibata Heroes' Cemetery
Political party PKP
Other political
affiliations		 Golkar (1993–1999)
Spouse
Tuty Sutrisno
​
(m. 1961)​
Children 7
Alma mater Army Technical Academy
Occupation
  • Politician
  • army officer
Signature
Military service
Allegiance Indonesia
Branch/service Indonesian Army
Years of service 1959–1993
Rank General
Unit Engineers
Commands
  • Kodam XVI/Udayana
  • Kodam IV/Sriwijaya
  • Kodam V/Jayakarta
  • Indonesian Armed Forces
Battles/wars
See list
Service no. 18438

Try Sutrisno (born 15 November 1935 – died 2 March 2026) was an important Indonesian leader. He was a retired army general who served as the sixth vice president of Indonesia from 1993 to 1998. Born in Surabaya, which was then part of the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia), Try Sutrisno graduated from the Army Technical Academy in 1959. During his long career, he held several key positions, including Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army (1986–1988) and Commander of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Indonesia (1988–1993). He played a significant role in Indonesia's history during a time of many changes.

Who Was Try Sutrisno?

Early Life and Education

Try Sutrisno was born on 15 November 1935 in Surabaya, in what was then the Dutch East Indies. His father, Subandi, worked as an ambulance driver, and his mother, Mardiyah, was a homemaker. After Indonesia declared its independence in 1945, a period of conflict known as the Indonesian National Revolution began. Try and his family moved from Surabaya to Mojokerto for safety.

During this time, Try's father worked as a medical officer for an army battalion. This meant Try had to stop school and help his family by selling cigarettes and newspapers. At age 13, Try wanted to join the army, but he was too young. Instead, he became a courier, gathering information about areas held by the Dutch Army and finding medicine for the Indonesian Army. In 1949, the Dutch recognized Indonesia's independence. Try and his family then returned to Surabaya, where he finished his education in 1956.

After high school, Try applied to the Army Technical Academy (Atekad) in 1956. He passed the written test but failed the physical one. However, Major General Djatikoesoemo noticed Try and called him back. Try passed another test and was accepted into the Academy as a cadet.

Military Career Highlights

Early Military Experiences

Try's first military experience was in 1957. He helped in efforts to resolve a conflict known as the PRRI Rebellion. This was a movement in Sumatra that sought a different government. Try completed his military education in 1959, graduating from ATEKAD as a second lieutenant in the Indonesian Army.

His early career in the Indonesian Armed Forces (ABRI) included serving in Sumatra, Jakarta, and East Java. In 1972, Try attended the Army Staff College (Seskoad) for further training. In 1974, he was chosen to be President Suharto's personal assistant, called an adjutant. President Suharto liked Try, and this helped his military career advance quickly.

Leading Regional Commands

In 1978, Try was appointed as a Chief of Staff in the KODAM XVI/Udayana region. A year later, he became the Regional Commander of KODAM IV/Sriwijaya, where he had started his career. As a commander, Try worked to reduce crime and stop illegal activities. He also supported environmental efforts, like helping Sumatran elephants return to their natural homes.

Challenges in Jakarta

In 1982, Try was appointed as the Regional Commander of KODAM V/Jaya, based in Jakarta.

In 1984, the government passed a law requiring all organizations to follow the national idea of Pancasila. This led to some disagreements, especially among certain religious groups.

A situation developed in North Jakarta in September 1984. There were tensions and misunderstandings between local residents and military personnel. This led to protests and a confrontation. Try Sutrisno, along with the military commander, decided to deploy troops to manage the situation. Sadly, during these events, there were casualties. The government reported 28 deaths, while others claimed a much higher number. This incident remained a difficult memory throughout Try Sutrisno's career.

Rising Through the Ranks

Try's career continued to progress. In 1985, he became Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army. Then, in 1986, he became the Chief of Staff of the Army. In this role, Try started a program called Badan TWP TNI-AD. This program helped army members get loans to buy their own homes.

Commander of the Armed Forces

Try reached the highest point of his military career in 1988 when he was appointed Commander of the ABRI. As ABRI Commander, Try worked to maintain peace and order across Indonesia. He addressed various regional challenges, including situations in Aceh. In 1989, he also responded to protests in the Talangsari incident.

In November 1991, in the province of East Timor, a group of students held a funeral procession. During the procession, some students also protested against the government. A confrontation occurred with Indonesian troops at the cemetery. This tragic event, known as the Santa Cruz massacre, resulted in many deaths and injuries. It drew strong criticism from countries around the world.

Try Sutrisno was asked to explain the situation to the People's Representative Council (DPR). He defended the actions taken, stating that the protesters were provoking the soldiers and that the military had to respond to maintain order. He was discharged from his position as ABRI Commander in February 1993.

Serving as Vice President

Try Sutrisno oath of office
Try Sutrisno being sworn in as vice president, 11 March 1993

In February 1993, just before the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) was to choose a new president and vice president, military members in the MPR nominated Try Sutrisno for vice president. This was a bit unusual because usually, the President would suggest his preferred candidate first.

Despite some initial surprise from President Suharto, Try's nomination was accepted. He became the Vice President of Indonesia on 11 March 1993, serving until 11 March 1998.

During his time as Vice President, Try Sutrisno worked alongside President Suharto. However, President Suharto sometimes made decisions without consulting him. For example, when Suharto went for health treatment in 1997, he asked another official to handle presidential duties instead of Try.

Life After Vice Presidency

After his term as Vice President ended in 1998, Try Sutrisno remained active. He met with President Suharto to discuss the country's situation during a time of major change.

In 1998, Try was chosen to lead the ABRI Veterans' Union (Pepabri). He successfully kept this organization united. He finished his term in 2003.

Try also served as an elder for the Justice and Unity Party.

In August 2005, Try joined other important figures to form a group called the National Awakening to Unity Movement. This group expressed concerns about some government decisions, such as an agreement with the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and changes in fuel prices.

Later, after a meeting with Vice President Jusuf Kalla, Try softened his views. He said he understood the government's reasons and encouraged people to support their decisions.

Try Sutrisno passed away at the Central Army Hospital in Jakarta on 2 March 2026, at the age of 90. He was laid to rest at the Kalibata Heroes' Cemetery in Jakarta.

Family Life

Try Sutrisno was married to Tuti Sutiawati. They had seven children together: four sons and three daughters.

Awards and Recognition

Try Sutrisno received many awards and honors throughout his career, both from Indonesia and other countries.

National Honours

  • Bintang Republik Indonesia Adipradana Ribbon1.gif Star of the Republic of Indonesia, 2nd Class (Indonesian: Bintang Republik Indonesia Adipradana) (17 March 1993)
  • Bintang Mahaputera Adipurna rib.svg Star of Mahaputera, 1st Class (Indonesian: Bintang Mahaputera Adipurna) (17 March 1993)
  • Bintang Dharma rib.svg Star of Meritorious Service (Indonesian: Bintang Dharma)
  • Bintang Yudha Dharma Utama rib.svg Grand Meritorious Military Order Star, 1 Class (Indonesian: Bintang Yudha Dharma Utama)
  • Bintang Kartika Eka Paksi Utama rib.svg Army Meritorious Service Star, 1 Class (Indonesian: Bintang Kartika Eka Paksi Utama)
  • Bintang Jalasena Utama rib.svg Navy Meritorious Service Star, 1 Class (Indonesian: Bintang Jalasena Utama)
  • Bintang Swa Bhuwana Paksa Utama rib.svg Air Force Meritorious Service Star, 1 Class (Indonesian: Bintang Swa Bhuana Paksa Utama)
  • Bintang Bhayangkara Utama rib.svg Star of Bhayangkara, 1st Class (Indonesian: Bintang Bhayangkara Utama)

Foreign Honours

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