Lieutenant General TNI (Ret.) Himawan Soetanto taught me the value of being close to my men as a commander. He emphasized the importance of being among the soldiers from morning until night, checking on their well-being and even details like the condition of their underwear. Thanks to him, I developed a habit of paying attention to the details of my men’s living conditions. I learned practical leadership lessons from him, such as the importance of being present with the troops and addressing issues like corruption in the kitchen.
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 who spoke multiple languages and had a wealth of knowledge in history and military strategies. His neat appearance, approachability, and combat experience left a lasting impression on me. He taught me the value of being present with the troops and being flexible in adapting regulations to suit the needs of the unit.
Lieutenant General TNI (Ret.) Sarwo Edhie Wibowo was a charismatic leader who led by example and instilled in us the spirit of patriotism and perseverance. He shared his experiences and values with us as young cadets, emphasizing the importance of love for the homeland and pride in our heritage. His involvement in critical moments during the G30S/PKI communist coup in 1965 solidified his reputation as a brave and dedicated commander.
General Sarwo Edhie’s leadership style, charisma, and commitment to the country inspired many, including me. He was known for leading operations from the front and maintaining his integrity and honesty throughout his military career. His values and dedication to serving the nation were evident in his actions and his book, ‘My Life is for the Country and the Nation.’
I had the privilege of interacting with Grand General TNI (Ret.) Abdul Haris Nasution, a key figure in the struggle for Indonesian independence. He shared his experiences, opinions, and knowledge of guerrilla warfare strategies with me, making me feel like a student of history. His expertise in history and languages, along with his role in the fight for independence, marked him as a respected figure of the ’45 generation.
Pak Nas’s insights and experiences were invaluable to me, and I cherished the opportunity to learn from such a prominent figure in Indonesian history. His contributions to the nation’s independence struggle and his deep knowledge in various fields left a lasting impact on me as a military leader.
