Yusril Ihza Mahendra

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Yusril Ihza Mahendra : biography

5 February 1956 –

Personal life

Yusril was married with Kessy Sukaesih, and they have four children’s, which is Yuri Kemal Fadlullah, Kenia Khairunissa, Meilany Alissa and Ali Reza Mahendra. He divorced Sukaesih in November 2005.

Less than one year after that, he married with Rika Tolentino Kato in September 2006.

Early life

Yusril Ihza Mahendra was born on 5 February 1956 to Idris Haji Sainal and Norsiha in Manggar, Bangka Belitung.

After completing his primary and secondary education, Yusril left for Jakarta in 1976 to attend the University of Indonesia (UI). To compensate for living costs, Yusril had to lodge at various mosques in the city. In addition to that, Yusril had to find part-time work to fund his studies. Yusril took on various jobs, becoming a tutor in teaching children in reading the koran, teaching martial arts, and selling fishes and coconuts.

Throughout this period, Yusril became close with his lecturer, Professor Usman. In turn, Usman would introduce Yusril to his political hero, Mohammad Natsir. Natsir was an Islamist politician, former Prime Minister of Indonesia, and Chairman of the Indonesian Muslims Advisory Council (Masyumi), a major Muslim Party that had rivalled Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) in the 1950s.

Yusril also began to involve himself in organizational activities. In 1981, he became Vice Chairman of the Indonesian Youth Mosque Communication Body. A position which he held until 1982.

Organizational Experiences and Early Governmental Career

Yusril’s Islamist views meant that his scope was not just limited to the academic world. In 1996, Yusril became a member of the Central Committee of the Indonesian Islamic Dawah Council (DDII). At the same time, he became Chairman of the Legal Department of the Jakarta Branch of the Union of Indonesian Intellectual Muslims (ICMI) while serving as Vice Chairman of the ICMI Council of Experts.

Also in 1996, Yusril was employed by President Suharto as a speechwriter. Yusril would go on to write 204 speeches for Suharto.

When Suharto was re-elected to his final term as President in March 1998, Yusril was appointed Aide to the Assistant of the State Secretary. From this position, Yusril was closely involved in the final moments of Suharto’s Presidency. When Suharto finally decided to resign, Yusril was involved in the drafting of the resignation speech, giving input so that the speech was legally accurate. During the crucial moments, Yusril managed to have a disagreement with Suharto over the speech. Suharto wanted to declare that the cabinet was now disbanded while Yusril argued that the Cabinet would not be disbanded because it will continue under the leadership of the next President. Suharto then personally made the necessary edits. When all was set, Yusril went to see Amien Rais to inform him that Suharto was resigning.http://www.seasite.niu.edu/indonesian/Reformasi/Chronicle/Kompas/May27/ceri01.htm The next morning on 21 May 1998, Suharto announced his resignation.

2004 Elections and the Yudhoyono Presidency

As 2004 approached, Yusril’s name began to emerge as a Presidential Candidate. Yusril said that he was ready to run, provided that PBB finished in the Top 3 in the Legislative Elections. PBB failed to do this, gaining only 2% of the votes in the Legislative Elections. Yusril finally decided to support Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Jusuf Kalla in their bid for the Presidency and the Vice Presidency. For his support, Yusril was rewarded with the position of State Secretary.

In 2005, Yusril was replaced as PBB Chairman by MS Kaban but became the Chairman of PBB’s Advisory Council.

On 7 May 2007, Yusril was replaced as State Secretary by Hatta Rajasa.