LIEUTENANT GENERAL TNI (RET.) HIMAWAN SOETANTO
One important lesson that I learned from Pak Himawan Soetanto is the importance of a commander being close to his men. A commander must be present with his soldiers from morning until night, checking on their well-being and ensuring their needs are met. Thanks to Pak Himawan Soetanto, I developed a habit of paying attention to details such as the condition of my soldiers’ kitchen and equipment. I once discovered that my soldiers’ white underwear had turned brown, and that the kitchen was the source of corrupt practices, with only a small ration of meat being distributed among many soldiers.
I first met Pak Himawan Soetanto when I joined AKABRI in 1970, where he served as the Deputy Governor in charge of education and training. He was a well-educated man, fluent in English, Dutch, and even some Japanese. He was an avid reader and often discussed books with me, including works by military strategists like B. H. Liddell Hart and Sun Tzu. His neat appearance, friendly demeanor, and combat experience set him apart as a leader who was respected and admired by many.
Pak Himawan Soetanto taught me the value of a commander being close to his men, a lesson that has stayed with me throughout my military career. He emphasized the importance of leaders being present and engaged with their troops, rather than distant and rule-focused. His practical leadership style and attention to detail left a lasting impression on me.
Lieutenant General Himawan Soetanto was a respected figure in the army, and I had the privilege of being mentored by him. Even after his retirement, I maintained a close relationship with him and was deeply honored when he expressed a desire to see me before his passing. His legacy as a leader who cared for his men and led by example will always be remembered.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL TNI (RET.) SARWO EDHIE WIBOWO
General Sarwo Edhie Wibowo was a charismatic and respected leader, known for his hands-on approach and dedication to his troops. As a mentor to cadets at AKABRI, he instilled in us the importance of patriotism and perseverance. His book, ‘My Life is for the Country and the Nation’, reflected his commitment to serving Indonesia and honoring its history.
I first met General Sarwo Edhie during my time as a cadet, where he was already a legendary figure in the military. Known for his charismatic presence and leadership style, he was admired by students, young officers, and cadets alike. His focus on patriotism and the importance of upholding the legacy of Indonesia’s forefathers left a lasting impact on those he mentored.
After his retirement, General Sarwo Edhie continued to serve Indonesia in various capacities, including as an ambassador and chairman of a supervisory body. His integrity and dedication to his country were unwavering, and he left behind a legacy of service and leadership. His influence on me as a cadet and young officer will always be remembered with gratitude.
GRAND GENERAL TNI (RET.) ABDUL HARIS NASUTION
Meeting Grand General Abdul Haris Nasution was a rare and privileged opportunity for me, as I had the chance to learn from a key figure in Indonesia’s struggle for independence. Known as Pak Nas, he shared his experiences, opinions, and strategies with me, emphasizing the importance of history and language skills in leadership.
General Nasution was a master of guerrilla warfare and had extensive experience in fighting against colonial powers. His knowledge of history and languages reflected his deep understanding of the complexities of leadership in the military. As a student of his historical achievements, I gained valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of Indonesia’s independence struggle.