RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The former President of Indonesia recently conveyed a message of determination, strength, and energy through his latest painting. The artwork, inspired by the year 2026 in the Chinese zodiac, sold for more than US$384,000 at an auction.

Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who served as the country’s sixth president from 2004 to 2014, began painting in 2021. Painting became his way of honoring his wife, Kristiani Herrawati, who passed away in 2019.

"Mrs. Ani once said, ‘I’ve spent a lot of time developing my photography,’ and indeed she produced many beautiful photographs. When the time comes, those (photos) would be turned into paintings, and that would make us happy," he said during a live painting event in 2024.

Since then, Yudhoyono—often known as SBY—has created various paintings, adding to his artistic portfolio alongside music. Ahead of the Chinese New Year 2577 this year, he once again unveiled a new painting, which was auctioned for charity.

The painting, titled “Strong and Energetic Like the Fire Horse” (Kuat dan Energik Laksana Kuda Api), measures 130 cm by 80 cm. It depicts a blue horse in mid-gallop, with a mane resembling red-orange flames.

The year 2026 is known as the Year of the Fire Horse in the Chinese zodiac, symbolizing strength and energy in facing the year ahead. SBY conveys a message of vitality and peace in his work.

"In this painting, I place the Fire Horse in a calm, peaceful setting. The blue here symbolizes peace," Yudhoyono said, as quoted in a statement from the Democratic Party, which he founded.

"There is a Fire Horse (in this painting) symbolizing determination, strength, and energy to achieve noble goals, but within a serene atmosphere of life," he stated.

The painting was auctioned during the Democratic Party’s Chinese New Year celebration in Jakarta on Wednesday, 18 December 2026. It was ultimately sold to Indonesian businessman Low Tuck Kwong for Rp6.5 billion (around US$384,794).

“Three, two, one, closed! Congratulations! Congratulations, Datuk Low!” Democratic Party politician and Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning, Ossy Dermawan, who led the auction conveyed.

Low Tuck Kwong is the founder of Bayan Resources, one of Indonesia’s largest coal mining companies. According to Forbes, Low is the second-richest person in Indonesia with a net worth of US$20.1 billion, behind Prajogo Pangestu of the energy company Barito Pacific.

Chairman of the Democratic Party, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, emphasized that all proceeds from the auction would be distributed to support underprivileged communities. In addition, the funds will be used to assist those affected by natural disasters.

“This is… for all people in need. Indonesia belongs to everyone,” SBY’s son stated.