Yurike Sanger Passes Away, the 7th Wife of Bung Karno Who Was Once Part of the Proclamator's Life

Kapanlagi.com - Sad news comes from the seventh wife of President Soekarno. Yurike Sanger, passed away in the United States. Her son, Yudhi Sanger, shared the news through a social media post that shocked many people.

In his post, Yudhi mentioned that his mother passed away on September 17, 2025, at 19:15 local time, and plans are being made to bring her back to Indonesia for her wake at the Fatmawati Hospital Funeral Home in South Jakarta.

"In loving memory, Yurike Sanger. Beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother," Yudhi wrote on Instagram.

Also check out the news at Liputan6.com.

1. The Story of an Unexpected Meeting

Instagram/yudhisanger_adventure

Yurike was born in Poso, May 22, 1945, with a mix of German and Manado blood. Before being known as the wife of the President, she was actually a singer. Her meeting with Bung Karno occurred in 1963, while she was still in high school and involved with the Bhinneka Tunggal Ika Front. At that time, she was assigned to welcome a state guest from the Soviet Union. From there, Soekarno is said to have fallen in love at first sight.

Since that meeting, the two began to meet more frequently. Bung Karno even once accompanied Yurike home. From those simple moments, Soekarno eventually declared his love and gave her a necklace as a sign.

2. Secretly Married

Instagram/yudhisanger_adventure

Their relationship became serious. On August 6, 1964, Bung Karno and Yurike officially married in secret. At that time, Yurike was only 19 years old, while Soekarno was already 64. This marriage was attended only by close family and was not known to the public.

Before marrying, Yurike, who was originally Christian, decided to convert to Islam. She recited the two sentences of the shahada as a condition for her marriage to Soekarno. This decision was proof of her seriousness in building a household with the Proclamator.

3. Domestic Turmoil and Separation

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Although their love story was beautiful, the marriage did not last long. After four years, in 1968, both agreed to divorce amicably. At that time, the political situation in Indonesia was heated following the G30S/PKI. Soekarno, who had been ousted, then suggested Yurike to divorce to avoid further burdens.

Soekarno was said to have stated that it would be better for Yurike to ask for a divorce for the sake of their mutual well-being. With a heavy heart, Yurike followed that advice.

4. A New Life in America

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After the divorce, Yurike continued her life. She married Subekti Didi, a widower with two children, and then moved to the United States. There, she began a new chapter of her life with her family.

Although she had converted to Islam when she married Soekarno, Yurike eventually returned to Christianity after living in America. According to her, all religions teach goodness, and she always respects differences in beliefs.

5. Passed Away at the Age of 80

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At the age of 80, Yurike's long struggle against breast cancer has finally come to an end. She passed away at San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital, California. This news certainly leaves sorrow for her family and those who remember her life story.

It is planned that Yurike's body will be repatriated to Jakarta with the assistance of the Consulate General of Indonesia in Los Angeles. Yurike's departure closes the long story of a woman who was once an important part of President Soekarno's life, as well as a witness to the nation's historical journey.

After parting ways in 1967 or 1968, Yurike Sanger lived a different and more private life. She remarried a young engineer named Andy Babe, who is also known as Subekti Didi.

6. QnA About Yurike Sanger

1. Who is Yurike Sanger?
The seventh wife of Bung Karno who married at the age of 19.

2. When did Yurike pass away?
September 17, 2025, in California, USA.

3. How did she first meet Soekarno?
While still in high school, she was tasked with welcoming state guests, and then Soekarno fell in love at first sight.

4. Why did she divorce Soekarno?
Due to a difficult political situation, Soekarno asked Yurike to divorce for the greater good.

5. What was the cause of Yurike's death?
She passed away at the age of 80 after a long battle with breast cancer.

(kpl/fbi)