Who Is Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on September 9, 1949, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, commonly known as SBY, is 75 years old in 2025. He served as the President of Indonesia from 2004 to 2014, making significant impacts on the country's political landscape during his two terms in office. Yudhoyono was the first Indonesian President to be elected through a direct popular vote and has been credited with establishing a more democratic political system in Indonesia. His background in the military and his degree in economics further shaped his leadership style.
Occupation | Politician |
---|---|
Date of Birth | September 9, 1949 |
Age | 75 Years |
Birth Place | Patjitan, Indonesia |
Horoscope | Virgo |
Country | Indonesia |
Popularity
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific height and weight measurements are not publicly available, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is generally described as having a commanding presence, befitting his military background. His appearance reflects his disciplined lifestyle, which he maintained during his tenure in office.
Although he had won the presidency, Yudhoyono was still weak in the Indonesian parliament, the House of Representatives (DPR). The Democratic Party, even combined with all of its coalition partners, had far fewer representatives than Golkar and the PDI-P, which played the role of opposition.
With a national congress to be held in December 2004, Yudhoyono and Kalla had originally backed Agung Laksono speaker to become Golkar chairman. When Agung was perceived to be too weak to run against Akbar Tandjung, Yudhoyono and Kalla threw their weight behind Surya Paloh.
Finally, when Paloh was perceived to be too weak to run against Akbar, Yudhoyono gave the green light for Kalla to run for the Golkar Chairmanship. On 19 December 2004, Kalla was elected as the new chairman of Golkar. Kalla's victory posed a dilemma for Yudhoyono.
Although it now enabled Yudhoyono to pass legislation, Kalla's new position meant that he was now more powerful than Yudhoyono in terms of influence in parliament.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is married to Ani Yudhoyono, who passed away in June 2019 after a long battle with cancer. Together, they have two sons: Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono and Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono. Following Ani's passing, Yudhoyono has remained focused on his family and political legacy, but details concerning any current girlfriend or dating life are not publicly disclosed.
During his tenure as president, Indonesia participated in many world peace missions, both at the national and international levels. Yudhoyono successfully negotiated a deal that ended the Aceh insurgency, an insurgency which lasted from 1976 to 2005. As a result, he was given the title "Father of Peace."
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's net worth is estimated to be around $30 million. This wealth comes from his political career, public speaking engagements, as well as investments in various sectors, including agriculture and media. Monthly earnings from public appearances and consultations also contribute to his financial status.
He indicated that GDP and foreign exchange reserves had increased significantly and the ratio of debt to gross domestic product could be reduced from 56 percent to 23 percent.
President Yudhoyono added that the debt ratio of 23 percent to GDP was far below developed countries such as Germany (86.1 percent), United States (104.1 percent), and United Kingdom ( 107 percent). He said, during the 2004-2014 period, domestic and foreign debt could also be reduced while the state budget was increased fourfold.
In 2004, the country's per capita income was recorded at US$1188 but ten years later it rose to US$3490. Indonesia is also recorded as a country with the second highest economic growth rate since 2009 after China with the country's exports increasing threefold.
In the energy sector, Yudhoyono acknowledged, although electricity capacity increased twice during his administration, it remained small. Yudhoyono gave the example of the Master Plan for the Acceleration of Indonesian Economic Development (MP3EI), which from 2011 to 2013, reached a value of IDR 828.7 trillion.
Career, Business, and Investments
Before entering politics, Yudhoyono had a distinguished military career, where he rose to the rank of General in the Indonesian Army. After serving as Minister of Mining and Energy, and as Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, he finally became President in 2004.
Since leaving the presidency, Yudhoyono has been active in various business ventures, focusing on investment in technology startups, agriculture, and educational projects aimed at improving Indonesia's future. His experience as a statesman and military leader also allows him to engage in consulting roles globally.
Yudhoyono also studied in the United States, where he received his master's degree in Business Management from Webster University in 1991. He subsequently earned PhD in agricultural economics from the Bogor Agricultural University on 3 October 2004, two days before his presidential victory was announced.
He was also awarded two honorary doctorates in 2005 in the fields, respectively, of law from his alma mater, Webster University, and in political science from Thammasat University in Thailand. On 12 June 2014, he earned professor degree from Defense University of Indonesia in National Defense Science.
Social Network
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono remains a prominent figure on social media platforms. With active accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, he uses these platforms to share insights on politics, personal reflections, and updates about his philanthropic activities. As of 2025, he has millions of followers who engage with his posts, reflecting his substantial influence in Indonesian society.
Yudhoyono returned to Indonesia in 1976, where he became a platoon commander in the 305th Battalion and was assigned to Indonesian-occupied East Timor. Yudhoyono had several tours of duty and, like many other Indonesian officers involved in the occupation of East Timor, was accused of committing war crimes.
However, Yudhoyono has never been charged with any specific act. From East Timor, Yudhoyono became a mortar platoon commander in 1977, an operations officer for an airborne brigade from 1977 to 1978, and a company commander at Kostrad from 1979 to 1981. Yudhoyono then spent 1981 and 1982 working at the Army headquarters.
Education
Yudhoyono's education played a fundamental role in shaping his career. He completed his undergraduate studies at the Indonesian Military Academy and later earned a Master’s degree in Management from Webster University in the United States. His academic pursuits, especially in the fields of economics and military leadership, have significantly influenced his governance and decision-making processes throughout his political career.
Yudhoyono had wanted to join the army since he was a child. In school, he developed a reputation as an academic achiever, excelling in writing poems, short stories, and play-acting. Yudhoyono was also talented in music and sport, reflected when he and his friends established a volleyball club called Klub Rajawali and a band called Gaya Teruna.