Jakarta. Former Religious Affairs Minister and a key figure in the United Development Party (PPP) Suryadharma Ali, passed away early Thursday at Mayapada Hospital in South Jakarta. He was 68.

A government statement confirmed that Suryadharma died at 4:25 a.m. on July 31. He will be laid to rest with full state honors at the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery in South Jakarta later in the afternoon, following Asr prayers.

Suryadharma received the Bintang Mahaputra Adhi Pradana, one of Indonesia’s highest civilian honors, granting him the right to be buried at the national cemetery.

Born in Jakarta on September 19, 1956, Suryadharma earned his degree in Islamic studies from Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University (formerly IAIN) in 1984. As a student, he led the Indonesian Islamic Students Movement (PMII) from 1985 to 1988, laying the groundwork for a long career in politics and public service.

Before entering politics, Suryadharma worked in the private sector, including a stint as deputy director at Hero Supermarket until 1999. That same year, he began his legislative career as a member of the House of Representatives (DPR), serving two terms.

He rose to national prominence when President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono appointed him Minister for Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises from 2004 to 2009. In 2009, he was named The Religious Affairs Minister, a position he held until 2014.

Suryadharma also served as chairman of the PPP’s central executive board (DPP) for two consecutive terms from 2007 to 2015. His leadership shaped the party’s direction during a transformative period in Indonesian politics.

However, his political career was marred by controversy. In May 2014, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) named him a suspect in a high-profile hajj fund misappropriation case. He tendered his resignation and officially stepped down as religious affairs minister days later.

The fallout from his departure triggered internal strife within the PPP, culminating in a leadership rift and dual party congresses, one in Surabaya led by Romahurmuzy, and another in Jakarta held by Suryadharma’s faction, backing Djan Faridz as party leader.

Suryadharma is survived by his wife, Wardatul Asriah, and their four children: Kartika Yudistira, Sherlita Nabila, Abdurrahman Sagara Prakasa, and Nadia Jesica Nurul Wardan.

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