Yozua Makes was raised in an academic family with deep ties to the University of Indonesia (UI). His father, Dr. Komang Makes, was a distinguished naval physician specializing in internal medicine and cardiology, and also served as a lecturer at UI's Faculty of Medicine. In recognition of his service and legacy, the Indonesian Navy honored him by naming one of its principal military hospitals Rumah Sakit Angkatan Laut Dr. Komang Makes Belawan. He contributed to national development not only in healthcare but also in journalism, being one of the founders of Sinar Harapan. Yozua's mother, Soemakni, was a pioneering midwife who helped introduce prenatal health practices in Indonesia.
Continuing the family's academic tradition, Yozua earned his law degree (S.H.) and later his doctorate (Ph.D.) from UI's Faculty of Law, both with distinction. His wife is a graduate and faculty member of UI's Faculty of Humanities as well as a graduate of the Université Paris-Sorbonne, while his children are alumni of UI's Faculties of Medicine, Law, and Economics.