Guruh Soekarnoputra Dies, Dasco: His Work and Dedication Deserve to Be Remembered

Mourning has enveloped Indonesia's art and political circles. Mohammad Guruh Irianto Sukarnoputra, the youngest son of Indonesia's first president, Soekarno, breathed his last on Saturday, 26 September 2026, at 04.16 WIB, at MRCCC Siloam Hospital, Semanggi, Jakarta. The man affectionately known as Guruh died at the age of 73 after undergoing intensive care.

Guruh's passing has drawn reactions from various quarters. Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) from the Gerindra Party faction, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, expressed his sense of loss through a post on his official Instagram account. He described the deceased as a figure of great service, especially in the fields of arts, culture, and politics. "His work and dedication will become part of the nation's journey that deserves to be remembered and respected," Dasco wrote on Saturday (26/9/2026).

Dasco also offered prayers that the deceased's good deeds be accepted and that the bereaved family be given strength. Similar tributes flowed from figures across parties, reflecting Guruh's position as a respected figure even though he was not always at the forefront of practical politics.

Guruh was the youngest of nine siblings. Throughout his life, he was known as an artist active in creating works in music, dance, and theater. His dedication in the arts often intersected with efforts to strengthen the nation's cultural identity. On the other hand, he was also recorded as a politician of PDI Perjuangan, the party led by his elder sister, Megawati Soekarnoputri.

News of Guruh's critical condition had actually emerged in recent days. The public and his political colleagues continued to monitor his health developments. The family and the party finally confirmed the sad news on Saturday morning. PDI-P Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto stated that the funeral procession would be held after the zuhur prayer at TPU Karet Bivak, Jakarta, right beside the grave of his mother, Fatmawati Soekarno.

"May Allah SWT accept all his good deeds, and place the deceased in the best place by His side," said Sufmi Dasco Ahmad.

For the Indonesian public, the name Guruh Soekarnoputra is indeed closely tied to the Soekarno family legacy. However, he chose a different path from his siblings, who were more dominant in politics. Guruh studied art abroad and returned home with a vision of developing traditional arts so they would remain relevant in modern times. His works were often staged on various cultural platforms, both at home and abroad.

Guruh's passing marks the end of a chapter in the history of the extended Soekarno family. Of the nine children, only Megawati Soekarnoputri remains alive. This automatically shifts attention to the internal dynamics of PDI-P, especially ahead of the upcoming national political agenda. Although Guruh was not a key decision-maker in the party, he often served as a unifying symbol and guardian of the party's historical values.

From the perspective of markets and investors, this event may not have a direct impact on economic indicators. However, for market players who watch political stability, the passing of a central figure in the Soekarno family could trigger speculation about the balance of power in PDI-P. The party with the bull emblem is one of the main forces in the DPR, so any change in its internal composition could influence the direction of legislative policy, including that related to the investment climate.

Several political analysts assess that moments like this are often used by parties for consolidation. They expect PDI-P to try to project solidity, especially by underscoring Soekarno's legacy as a binding force. However, it cannot be denied that the absence of old figures like Guruh leaves a gap in cultural legitimacy that is difficult for a new generation to fill.

The funeral procession is predicted to draw broad public attention. Besides the family, a number of national figures from various parties are expected to attend to pay their last respects. The government is also expected to give proper recognition for the deceased's services, although as of this news being published there has been no official statement from the Palace.

What deserves close attention going forward is how PDI-P manages this symbolic transition. Will the party be able to maintain Soekarno's cultural legacy without Guruh's presence? Or will a new figure emerge to take on that role? The public waits, while mourning still envelops the extended Soekarno family.