Lieutenant General TNI (Ret.) Himawan Soetanto taught me the importance of a commander being close to his men. He emphasized the need for a commander to be with his men from morning until night, checking on their well-being and the details of their daily lives. Thanks to him, I developed a habit of paying attention to the smallest details, such as the condition of my soldiers’ kitchen and equipment. I once discovered that the soldiers’ white underwear had turned brown and that the kitchen was a source of corrupt practices. This experience taught me the value of being present and involved in the lives of my men.
I first met Pak Himawan Soetanto when I joined AKABRI in 1970. He was the Deputy Governor of AKABRI at the time, responsible for education and training. He was well-educated, well-spoken in English, Dutch, and even a bit of Japanese. He was a history buff and had a vast collection of books in his residence. I learned the importance of being well-read and constantly learning from him. He was always cheerful, calm, and confident, with extensive combat experience that showed in his leadership style.
Lieutenant General Himawan Soetanto had a significant impact on me, and I considered him a mentor even after his retirement. I visited him in the hospital shortly before his passing, and it was a great honor to be remembered by him as the “combat general.” His presence in my life was invaluable, and I will always cherish the lessons I learned from him about leadership and being close to one’s subordinates.
Lieutenant General TNI (Ret.) Sarwo Edhie Wibowo was another exemplary leader I had the privilege of learning from. He was charismatic, well-dressed, and led by example, always being at the forefront of operations. As my mentor at AKABRI, he instilled in us the spirit of persistence and patriotism. His book, “My Life is for the Country and the Nation,” inspired us as cadets to love our homeland and honor our forefathers’ legacy.
I first met General Sarwo Edhie during my time as a cadet, and he left a lasting impression on me with his charisma and leadership style. He was a close friend of my parents and a well-respected figure in the military. His dedication to serving the country and his commitment to leading from the front inspired me to strive for excellence in my own military career.
Grand General TNI (Ret.) Abdul Haris Nasution was a historical figure whom I had the honor of meeting and learning from. He shared his experiences, opinions, and strategies with me, offering valuable insights into guerrilla warfare and the struggle for independence. Like other leaders of the ’45 generation, he was well-versed in history and languages, enriching my understanding of our nation’s history and struggles.
Meeting and learning from these exemplary leaders of the Indonesian Armed Forces has shaped my leadership style and values. Their dedication to serving the country, their commitment to their men, and their passion for knowledge have inspired me to strive for excellence in my own military career.
