Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono – Indonesian Politician

As a retired army general officer, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono dreamt of joining the army ever since he was a little boy. Inspired by his father’s career, he was sold on becoming a soldier after a visit to the Indonesian Armed Forces Academy.

After he graduated from the Indonesian Armed Forces Academy he joined the Army Strategic Reserve and became the commander of a platoon. Besides leading his troops, he also helped many soldier learn English and taught general knowledge. While in the army he furthered his education and obtained a degree in business management. Yudhoyono was transferred to the Army Information Department to write speeches.

He was appointed by President Abdurrahman Wahid into politics as the Mining and Energy Minister. Eventually working his way up to becoming the president of Indonesia from 2004 to 2014. While president he made a free trade agreement with Japan, launched the School's Operational Assistance Program and the Poor Community Health Insurance program, which helped many people. In 2016, Yudhoyono was named one of the 20 most powerful and influential people in Indonesia by GlobeAsia magazine.

The masculine name Susilo is Javanese and has Sanskrit roots from the word su that means “good” and sila that means “conduct, behavior, and moral”. While Bambang is a male name in Javanese that means “knight”. Finally, the last name Yudhoyono is from the words yuddha that means “fight” or “battle” and yana that means “journey”. Therefore, his name means “well-behaved knight” in Javanese.