DEPOK, August 6, 2025, The Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FISIP UI) held a book discussion on The Path of Justice: Sumitro Djojohadikusumo on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. The event took place at the UI Science Techno Park Multipurpose Room and served as an intellectual forum to reflect on the legacy of Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, one of Indonesia’s most important economic architects.
The book is a collaborative work of 13 authors, portraying Sumitro not only as an economic figure but also as someone deeply committed to the pursuit of justice. It explores various aspects of his thought, including policy analysis such as the “Program Benteng,” his views on legal politics, his forward-looking vision on regional and environmental justice, and his role as a technocrat-idealist who used knowledge to achieve the goals of nationalism and social justice.
Three main speakers shared their insights. Soedradjad Djiwandono, former Governor of Bank Indonesia and Sumitro’s son-in-law, highlighted patriotism as the key to achieving justice. He recalled Sumitro’s advice to work for the good of others without expecting anything in return: “Don’t expect and, of course, don’t demand even recognition.”
Fachry Ali, a social scholar, said Sumitro’s main ambition was to create “the enlightening state”, a state that builds social justice, prosperity, and above all, intelligence. “The state must be smarter than its people, and its job is to educate them,” he explained, framing Sumitro’s ideas as statecraft, the skill of governing effectively.
Andrinof A. Chaniago, a political science lecturer at UI, noted that Indonesia’s development has suffered because the ideas of great technocrats like Sumitro are often sidelined in policymaking. He argued for strengthening think tanks and building learning communities so policies are based on sound ideas rather than short-term political interests.
The discussion, moderated by Padang Wicaksono, Director of UI’s Vocational Education Program, ended with a summary from sociologist Robertus Robet.
UI Rector Heri Hermansyah delivered opening remarks, recalling Sumitro’s contributions to the university. Family members, including Aryo Puspito Setyaki Djojohadikusumo, also shared personal memories. Sumitro’s children, Bianti Djiwandono, Maryani Djojohadikusumo, and Hashim Djojohadikusumo, were among the attendees..
