The legacy of Brigadier General TNI (Posthumous) I Gusti Ngurah Rai and his soldiers during the Puputan Margarana battle in 1946 has established a standard of exceptional leadership for future TNI soldiers: Lead by example, lead from the front, and demonstrate patriotism by offering your body and soul. I Gusti Ngurah Rai embodied the spirit of a true warrior, choosing to fight to the death rather than surrender to the enemy. His commitment to all-out war (puputan tradition) inspired his troops to fight with unwavering determination against the Dutch forces. I Gusti Ngurah Rai fought on the battlefield until his last breath.
Following the declaration of Indonesian Independence on August 17, 1945, I Gusti Ngurah Rai took the initiative to meet with General Sudirman in Yogyakarta. He sought a mandate from General Sudirman to establish the Army of the Republic of Indonesia (TRI) in Bali and Nusa Tenggara, also known as Lesser Sunda (Sunda Kecil).
Upon returning to Bali, he recruited troops and launched attacks on Dutch outposts established towards the end of World War II to reclaim Bali. Since the Japanese occupation in 1942, I Gusti Ngurah Rai had united Balinese youths in the Anti-Fascist Movement (GAF). By September 1946, the Dutch launched an offensive, culminating in the attack and encirclement of I Gusti Ngurah Rai’s troops in Margarana Village near Ubud on November 19, 1946.
Despite a personal connection with Dutch Infantry Captain JBT Konig, who had previously worked closely with I Gusti Ngurah Rai, the Dutch offered a surrender option. However, I Gusti Ngurah Rai rejected the offer, emphasizing his commitment to protecting Bali and refusing to compromise with the invaders. His resolute response, delivered to Dutch Lieutenant Colonel Termeulen, underscored his unwavering patriotism and determination to fight against colonial forces.
In the battle that ensued on November 19, 1946, I Gusti Ngurah Rai and his TRI forces faced heavily armed Dutch troops, supported by tactical bombers. Despite the overwhelming enemy advantage, they fought relentlessly until no shots were left to fire in the afternoon. The entire TRI force, including I Gusti Ngurah Rai and his Chief of Staff I Gusti Putu Wisnu, perished in the fierce battle.
The valor and leadership demonstrated by I Gusti Ngurah Rai and his troops have left a lasting legacy for future generations of TNI soldiers. His commitment to leading by example and sacrificing for the nation serves as a source of inspiration and admiration for all who follow in his footsteps.