I learned many valuable lessons from Lieutenant General TNI (Ret.) Himawan Soetanto, particularly the importance of a commander being close to his men. He emphasized the need for a commander to be present with his men from morning until night, checking on their well-being and even the smallest details like their kitchen and underwear. Thanks to him, I developed the habit of paying attention to the details of my men’s living conditions and equipment. His leadership also exposed corrupt practices in the kitchen, such as rationing one kilogram of meat for 16 people, leading to what was known as ‘razor meat’.
Lieutenant General TNI (Ret.) Sarwo Edhie Wibowo was another exemplary leader who had a significant impact on me during my time as a cadet. He was charismatic, well-dressed, and known for leading from the front. He instilled in us the spirit of persistence and patriotism, emphasizing the love for our homeland and pride in our forefathers’ legacy. His experiences during critical moments in history, such as the G30S/PKI communist coup, were sources of inspiration for us as cadets.
Finally, Grand General TNI (Ret.) Abdul Haris Nasution, a key figure in the struggle for Indonesian independence, also had a profound impact on me. I had the privilege of conversing with him and learning from his experiences in guerrilla warfare and his expertise in history and languages. He was an influential historical figure whom I considered myself fortunate to have learned from.
Overall, these exemplary leaders of the Indonesian Armed Forces taught me valuable lessons in leadership, integrity, and the importance of being close to those under your command. Their dedication to their men and their country serves as a model for me as a military leader.
