Lieutenant General TNI (Ret.) Himawan Soetanto taught me the value of being close to my men as a commander. He emphasized the importance of being present among the soldiers from morning till night, checking on their well-being and even the smallest details like their underwear and the condition of their kitchen. Thanks to his leadership, I have developed a habit of paying attention to the details of my men’s daily life.
When I first met Pak Himawan Soetanto in 1970 during my time at AKABRI, he was serving as the Deputy Governor in charge of education and training. He was a well-educated man who spoke multiple languages, including English, Dutch, and a bit of Japanese. He had a deep interest in history and was an avid reader. His neat appearance, friendly demeanor, and close relationship with his men left a lasting impression on me.
Lieutenant General Himawan Soetanto’s practical leadership lessons were invaluable to me. His emphasis on being present with the soldiers, checking on their welfare, and being flexible in adapting regulations to fit the situation resonated with me. His dedication to his men and commitment to their well-being were qualities that I strived to emulate in my own leadership style.
General Sarwo Edhie Wibowo was another exemplary leader who left a lasting impact on me. Known for his charisma and hands-on approach to leadership, he led by example and instilled in us the spirit of perseverance and patriotism. His book, “My Life is for the Country and the Nation,” was a testament to his dedication to serving his country and inspiring others to do the same.
Meeting General Sarwo Edhie as a cadet and learning from his experiences was a privilege for me. His strong sense of patriotism and pride in the Indonesian heritage were values that he instilled in us as cadets. His dedication to serving the country and his integrity as a leader were qualities that I admired and aspired to embody in my own military career.
Grand General TNI (Ret.) Abdul Haris Nasution was another key figure that I had the honor of learning from. His experiences in the struggle for Indonesia’s independence and his expertise in guerrilla warfare were invaluable lessons that he shared with me. He was a master of history and had a deep understanding of various languages, reflecting the intellectual capabilities of the ’45 generation.
Having the opportunity to learn from these exemplary leaders of the Indonesian Armed Forces has shaped my own leadership style and values as a military officer. Their dedication to their men, commitment to serving their country, and integrity as leaders have been guiding principles that have influenced my own approach to leadership in the military.
