Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?
- By Elizabeth Sy
- Jakarta
- Last updated on
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According to a credible source, the Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the politician's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.
UPDATE 10/01/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)
Why not Yudhoyono for Person of the Year?
The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 76-year-old politician, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.
“What makes Yudhoyono so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the politician have already been named ‘Indonesian Of The Year’ by some major Indonesian newspapers and even ‘Tremas Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Tremas (Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's hometown).
Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year
A representative for the politician was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:
“Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 9 Jan 2026
“Congrats! Susilo Bambang has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 9 Jan 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 9 Jan 2026
Could 2026 officially be the Year of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono?
Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.
Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?
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