By: Prabowo Subianto [taken from the Book: Military Leadership Notes from Experience Chapter I]
Slamet Riyadi was a brave and legendary leader who always led from the front on the battlefield, keeping pace with the Dutch forces. He demonstrated that the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Republic of Indonesia could successfully attack Dutch power centres, such as Surakarta (Solo), which were heavily fortified with artillery, infantry forces, and skilled commanders.
Lt. Col. Slamet Riyadi, born on July 26, 1927, started his fight for independence at a young age, forming a guerrilla force to support the proclamation of independence in 1945. He continued his fight during the Japanese colonial era and led various battles against the Dutch forces in Central Java during the Dutch Military Aggressions.
Ignatius Slamet Riyadi, from Solo, initially joined the Japanese Marine Academy during the Japanese occupation. However, he quickly joined fellow nationalists in conspiring to expel the Japanese after Japan’s defeat in World War II. He returned to Solo, rallying former Japanese-trained youths to support the Indonesian struggle against the Dutch forces.
Known for always leading from the front, Slamet Riyadi successfully led the Surakarta General Offensive in August 1949, showcasing the TNI’s strength in expelling the Dutch from the country. He later went on to fight against the Legion of Ratu Adil in West Java and suppress the Republic of South Maluku (RMS) rebellion in Ambon.
During the operation to apprehend Dr. Soumokil, the leader of the RMS, Slamet Riyadi was entrusted by the TNI leadership to lead the operations in Ambon. Despite facing fierce resistance from rebel forces, including former Dutch colonial Special Forces troops, Slamet Riyadi’s courage and leadership prevailed as TNI forces eventually captured Fort Victoria.
Tragically, Slamet Riyadi was fatally wounded in a battle at the fort’s gate while leading his troops. He passed away on November 4, 1950, but his legacy as a fearless leader who sacrificed his life for the glory of Indonesia and the TNI lived on. Posthumously promoted to the rank of Brigadier General, Brigadier General Slamet Riyadi remains an inspiration for future generations of TNI leaders.
