Magelang — President Prabowo Subianto highlighted the importance of exemplary leadership, known as ing ngarso sung tulodo (a leader must set a good example), as he led the Twilight Parade in the midst of heavy rain, accompanied by members of the Merah Putih Cabinet at Pancasila Field, Graha Utama Military Academy, Magelang, Central Java, on Friday evening (Oct. 25).
“We are proud of each and every one of you. I noticed you standing in the rain, so I encouraged the generals to join in and also get wet,” Prabowo said.
“Our leadership principle is ing ngarso sung tulodo. If the soldiers are wet, the leaders should also be wet. If the soldiers are feeling the heat, the leaders should feel it too. If the soldiers are hungry, the leaders must experience hunger. This is the core of our leadership,” he continued.
Prabowo also shared an anecdote about a one-star general who sacrificed his life during a mission, illustrating the principle that a leader should stand alongside their soldiers, even in perilous situations.
“I once heard about a one-star general who perished in the line of duty. Some questioned why a brigadier general was present in an active war zone. It was because, in our tradition, the risks faced by the soldiers should also be endured by their commanders,” he narrated.
He concluded by stating that bringing the Merah Putih Cabinet to the event was aimed at observing firsthand the spirit and discipline of the upcoming generation of leaders.
“I brought them here to witness the emerging leaders of our country, to witness your spirit and discipline. A soldier is willing to sacrifice everything for the nation and the state, and the ministers are equally ready to give their best in safeguarding the interests of the Indonesian people,” Prabowo stated. (RR)
