By: Prabowo Subianto [taken from the Book: Military Leadership Notes from Experience Chapter I: Exemplary Leaders of The Indonesian Armed Forces]
After the proclamation of Indonesian Independence on August 17, 1945, I Gusti Ngurah Rai traveled to Yogyakarta to meet General Sudirman. He requested General Sudirman’s authorization to establish an Army of the Republic of Indonesia (TRI) in Bali and Nusa Tenggara, also known as Lesser Sunda.
Subsequently, he returned to Bali, recruited troops, and initiated attacks on Dutch outposts established post-World War II to reoccupy Bali. Beginning from the Japanese occupation in 1942, I Gusti Ngurah Rai had gathered Balinese youths under the Anti-Fascist Movement (GAF).
In September 1946, the Dutch launched an offensive operation. On November 19, 1946, the Dutch successfully attacked and encircled the troops led by I Gusti Ngurah Rai in Margarana Village near Ubud.
The Dutch envoy proposed I Gusti Ngurah Rai surrender with the assurance of sparing him and his troops. This offer came from Dutch Infantry Captain JBT Konig, a member of the Red Elephant KNIL Infantry Battalion.
Although Konig, a former superior of I Gusti Ngurah Rai, extended the surrender offer, I Gusti Ngurah Rai declined. He chose not to respond to Konig’s letter to uphold the morale of his troops. Instead, I Gusti Ngurah Rai directly addressed Dutch Lieutenant Colonel Termeulen on May 18, 1946, asserting that Bali’s security was their responsibility, and they would continue fighting until the Dutch evacuation or face a relentless conflict.
This unwavering stance exemplifies I Gusti Ngurah Rai’s patriotism and refusal to compromise in defending his land against invaders.
In the subsequent battle known as the Puputan in Margarana, I Gusti Ngurah Rai led the TNI forces in a fierce confrontation with the Dutch troops on November 19, 1946. Despite facing a technologically superior enemy with tactical air support, I Gusti Ngurah Rai and his troops fought valiantly until their last breath.
The sacrifice and leadership demonstrated by I Gusti Ngurah Rai have set a remarkable and inspiring military tradition for future generations of the Indonesian Armed Forces. He led by example, displayed courageous frontline leadership, and immortalized his dedication to the country with the ultimate sacrifice of his life.
