Agus Yudhoyono shakes hands with his father, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Photo: presidenri.go.id
Although outgoing President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will be surrounded by family and supporters as he leaves the presidential palace today, one person who will not be at his side is his eldest son, Agus Yudhoyono, who is currently undergoing military training at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, USA.
Agus wrote a letter to his parents (affectionately nicknamed Pepo and Memo) apologizing for his absence and thanking his father for his dedication to the country over the past 10 years:
Leavenworth, 19 October 2014
Dearest Pepo and Memo,
With all my heart, I express my deepest gratitude for Pepo’s dedication and sacrifice to serve Indonesia for the past 10 years. I truly understand the weight of Pepo‘s duties, but I know for certain Pepo always thinks and does what is best for the country, day and night, above everything else. For that, you have my respect, awe, and pride, as a son, a soldier, and a citizen of Indonesia.
I hope and pray that Pepo and Memo be given good health and strength by Allah to keep on contributing to the betterment of Indonesia, and the world. On this sad day, I am still grateful because now Pepo and Memo can dedicate more time for family. I’m sorry I can’t be there at Pepo and Memo’s farewell from the presidential palace, and as you go home as a citizen to Cikeas.
Once again, thank you Pepo and Memo for everything…
Signed, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono
We’d like to join Agus in thanking President SBY for two turbulent terms leading the nation. regardless if one views it as a success or a failure. We hope a genuine person like Agus could follow in his father’s footsteps in helping to build up Indonesia into a more prosperous nation. Can we say the same about Pepo’s other son, Edhie (Ibas) Baskoro Yudhoyono?
Reader Interactions