TNI Lieutenant General (Ret.) Himawan Soetanto taught me the importance of a commander being close to his men. He emphasized the need for a commander to be present among his men from morning till night, checking on their well-being and even the smallest details like the quality of their underwear. Thanks to him, I developed a habit of regularly checking the condition of my men’s kitchen and equipment. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of being aware of corrupt practices, such as rationing one kilogram of meat for 16 people, leading to what they called ‘razor meat’ in the TNI.
My first encounter with Pak Himawan Soetanto was when I joined AKABRI in 1970, where he served as the Deputy Governor in charge of education and training. He was well-educated, speaking excellent English, Dutch, and even a bit of Japanese. He had a love for reading history books and always engaged in discussions about books with me. His neat appearance, constant smile, and calm yet confident demeanor left a lasting impression on me. He had extensive combat experience, which reflected in his interactions with his men, unlike those who lacked such experience and tended to be distant and cold.
Lieutenant General Himawan Soetanto’s practical leadership lessons had a significant impact on me. He emphasized the need for a commander to be close to his men and to be present in the field with them. This hands-on approach fosters a more relaxed and flexible leadership style, adapting to the conditions on the ground. His influence on me was profound, and even after his retirement, he remained a mentor and inspiration.
Lieutenant General TNI (Ret.) Sarwo Edhie Wibowo was another exemplary leader whom I had the privilege of learning from. Charismatic and always well-dressed, he was known for leading from the front and instilling the spirit of persistence and patriotism in his subordinates. As my mentor at AKABRI, he shared his experiences and emphasized the importance of loving the homeland and honoring the legacy of our forefathers.
My first meeting with General Sarwo Edhie was during my cadet days, where his reputation preceded him. His involvement in critical moments during the G30S/PKI communist coup and his charismatic leadership style made him a revered figure. As a mentor, he imparted invaluable lessons on perseverance and patriotism, reflected in his book ‘My Life is for the Country and the Nation.’ His dedication to the nation and his exemplary leadership traits left a lasting impact on me and other cadets.
General TNI (Ret.) Abdul Haris Nasution, a key figure of the ’45 generation and a prominent figure in the struggle for Indonesian independence, provided me with a unique opportunity to learn from a historical figure. His wealth of knowledge in guerrilla warfare strategies, experiences against the Dutch, and history was impressive. Like other figures from his generation, he was well-versed in various languages and history, making him a fascinating historical figure to learn from.
Talking face-to-face with Pak Nas, as he was affectionately known, felt like being a student of a historical actor. His insights, experiences, and wisdom on various subjects left a profound impact on me and enriched my understanding of our nation’s history. He was a true embodiment of the values and principles that the ’45 generation stood for, and his teachings continue to inspire me to this day.
