RSIS Distinguished Public Lecture by Mr Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, Executive Director, The Yudhoyono Institute

About the Speaker 

Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, or popularly known as AHY, is the Executive Director of The Yudhoyono Institute (TYI). TYI is a Jakarta-based think-tank dedicated to promoting the values of liberty, prosperity and security which form the foundation of Indonesian democracy. Agus Yudhoyono has dedicated his work to promote youth leadership through a collaborative approach. He has been traveling extensively across the country, visiting 23 provinces and more than 100 cities and towns across the archipelago in the past twelve months, to inspire and invite the participation of the younger generation in the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045.

He graduated from the Indonesian Military Academy in 2000 as its best graduate and was awarded the prestigious Adhi Makayasa medal. He obtained three master degrees from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore in Strategic Studies (2006), Harvard University in Public Administration (2010), and Webster University, USA (2015) in Leadership and Management.

In early 2018, Agus was assigned as the Chairman of Joint Task Force of Democratic Party for 2019 National Election (KOGASMA PD 2019). In this capacity, he leads and coordinates efforts within the Party with the objective of securing the 2019 National Election. He has since been actively playing the role by consolidating the party’s political machine and intensifying visits to the different parts of the country. He believes firmly that being a good leader requires one to stay close to the people in order to understand their aspirations and needs as well as the complexities and the gap that exists between policy formulation and its implementation on the ground.

Prior to entering politics, Agus had spent over 16 years of his career with the Indonesian Army as an elite airborne trooper. He graduated at the top of his class from the Indonesian Military Academy in 2000. He had then served in various field operations and joint exercises in Indonesia as well as abroad. In 2006-2007, he participated in the first Indonesian Mechanized Infantry Contingent to join the UN peacekeeping operations in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Subsequently, he played central role in the establishment of the Indonesian Defense University in 2009, and later in the Joint Working Group on transformation plans for the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI). Over the years, Agus has been known for his active public contribution through published articles, books and speaking engagements. His last military posting was Commander of 203rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion. In September 2016, Agus decided to resign from the military to announce his candidacy for the Governor of the Capital Region of Jakarta. Despite being unsuccessful in the race, he has since continued to contribute to society through his active involvement with the TYI as well as in the politics of the country.
As a young politician, he has garnered nationwide following and support for bringing fresh perspectives and approaches to Indonesian politics. In recent polls, Agus Yudhoyono has frequently appeared in the top three candidates for Vice President Nomination for 2019.