Lieutenant General TNI (Ret.) Himawan Soetanto taught me the value of being close to your men as a commander. He emphasized the importance of being present with your troops from morning until night, checking on their well-being and even the quality of their underwear. His practical leadership style helped me develop a habit of paying attention to details, such as the condition of the kitchen and equipment used by my soldiers. He also highlighted the importance of adapting regulations to fit the specific needs and situations of each unit.
My interactions with Lieutenant General Soetanto began when I joined AKABRI in 1970, where he served as the Deputy Governor responsible for education and training. He was well-educated, fluent in English, Dutch, and even a bit of Japanese. He had a passion for history books and instilled the importance of reading in me. His neat appearance, friendly demeanor, and extensive combat experience set him apart from other leaders who lacked such practical experience. He showed me the difference between being a warm and flexible leader versus a cold and distant one, often referred to as a PUD-minded officer in the TNI.
Lieutenant General Himawan Soetanto’s dedication to his men and his hands-on approach to leadership left a lasting impression on me. His commitment to the well-being and morale of his troops, as well as his ability to adapt regulations to fit the specific needs of each unit, were valuable lessons that I continue to apply in my own leadership style.
In addition to Lieutenant General Soetanto, I also had the privilege of learning from other exemplary leaders in the Indonesian Armed Forces, such as Lieutenant General TNI (Ret.) Sarwo Edhie Wibowo. Sarwo Edhie was known for his charisma, handsomeness, and the way he led from the front. He instilled in us the spirit of persistence and patriotism, emphasizing the love of the homeland and pride in our forefathers’ legacy.
Furthermore, I had the honor of meeting Grand General TNI (Ret.) Abdul Haris Nasution, a key figure in the struggle for Indonesia’s independence. He shared his experiences, opinions, and guerrilla warfare strategies with me, making me feel like a student of history. His expertise in history and languages, shared with other ’45 generation figures, further enriched my understanding of leadership and military strategy.
These exemplary leaders have shaped my own approach to leadership, emphasizing the importance of being present with your troops, adapting regulations to fit the specific needs of each unit, and instilling a spirit of patriotism and pride in the legacy of our forefathers. Their wisdom and guidance have had a profound impact on my development as a leader in the Indonesian Armed Forces.
