By: Prabowo Subianto [taken from the Book: Military Leadership Notes from Experience Chapter I]
Tono Suratman, my junior by a year, has been a close comrade of mine for quite some time. Despite our age gap, we share a strong bond that resembles that of brothers. During our bachelor days, he used to stay at my parents’ house on Jalan Kertanegara number 4 in Kebayoran Baru.
Our paths crossed when I was a Company Commander (DANKI) and he was the Platoon Commander (DANTON) 1. We served together in East Timor, where he demonstrated exceptional skills as a field officer. His presence in the military has always been marked by his passion for sports, particularly in fencing, swimming, and shooting.
With a remarkable career in KOPASSUS, Tono was appointed as the Commander of the KOPASSUS Para-Commando group 1 and later took over as the Commander of KOPASSUS Education and Training Center (PUSDIKPASSUS). His leadership extended to the Rajawali task force, renowned for its anti-guerrilla tactics and combat effectiveness.
Tono’s expertise goes beyond his athletic abilities, as he is also a sharpshooter, combat diver, and freefall parachutist. His versatility in various fields, coupled with his humility and dedication to service, make him a role model for both officers and the younger generation.
When the opportunity arose for me to improve Taruna Nusantara High School under the Ministry of Defense, I turned to Tono for guidance. Despite his illustrious background as the Army Chief of Staff’s security assistant and the former Commander of the Territorial Command in Kalimantan, Tono willingly accepted the challenge of becoming the school’s principal. His commitment to nurturing outstanding students who will shape the nation’s future underscores his unwavering patriotism and dedication to education.
In my personal opinion, Tono’s exceptional leadership qualities make him a prime candidate for commanding Indonesia’s Special Forces or even leading KOSTRAD. His exemplary track record and steadfast commitment to service make him a valuable asset to our nation’s defense and development.
