Prabowo Subianto [taken from the Book: Military Leadership Notes from Experience Chapter I: Exemplary Leaders of The Indonesian Armed Forces]
There is an adage that says a true teacher should be proud to see his disciple surpass him. A true teacher will ensure that his students and his men are more successful than him. A true teacher will not hesitate to guide his students to realise their full potential and reach the highest rank in the interests of the nation and country.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL TNI (RET.) KEMAL IDRIS
I was 17 years old when I returned to Indonesia from Europe. Back then, Pak Kemal Idris was already a very famous TNI figure. At that time, he was known as one of the key figures of the New Order (Orde Baru) regime at the beginning of President Suharto’s administration. Pak Kemal Idris was also a friend of my uncle Subianto, who died in the Battle of Lengkong. When I met him, Pak Kemal Idris told me: ‘I am your uncle’s best friend. Your uncle was a very brave man. If your uncle were still alive today, I’m sure he would be the Chief of Army Reserve Command (Pangkostrad). You should follow in your uncle’s footsteps, Subianto. He was a hero.’
I remembered his words. After I learned more about Pak Kemal Idris’ life history, I understood he was a very patriotic, brave, straight, and open person. Kemal Idris’ battalion was the first TNI battalion to enter the capital after the Dutch ceded sovereignty to Indonesia.
At that time, Pak Kemal Idris was a Major, so he was very famous. It was a tradition for the TNI battalion to be named after illustrious commanders, and there was the Kemal Idris Battalion, the Ahmad Yani Battalion, the Poniman Battalion, etc. On October 17, 1952, the Kemal Idris Battalion was involved in besieging the Istana. Pak Kemal Idris was known for being brave, pro-people, and a staunch nationalist. He was not afraid to criticise corruption and often spoke out against his superiors, earning him the reputation of being a “naughty boy”. Despite this, his seniors always protected him because of his bravery and leadership skills.
Kemal Idris fought rebels in the 1950s and 1965. After the 1965 G30S/PKI rebellion, he became a trusted confidant of Pak Harto in the Army Strategic Reserves Command (KOSTRAD) as its Deputy Chief of Staff. Eventually, he replaced Pak Harto as Pangkostrad. Pak Kemal Idris was known for his openness, welcoming attitude, and humor. He always stood up for the underprivileged but had shortcomings, such as being emotional and making hasty decisions.
During our interactions, he shared his experiences and wisdom with me, providing valuable leadership insights. I visited him on his deathbed, and his last words to me were, ‘Prabowo, keep on fighting.’ He urged me to take care of the Republic, leaving a lasting impact on me.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL TNI (RET.) HARTONO REKSO DHARSONO
Pak Ton, as he was affectionately known, was one of Pak Harto’s most powerful confidants during the New Order. He was known for his courage in correcting and criticising Pak Harto, pushing for a more democratic Indonesia. Pak Ton was popular among the people, students, and soldiers, often seen wearing a Kujang beret and idolised as a heroic figure.
He served as the Defence Attaché in London and had a successful career in the TNI, particularly in Kodam Siliwangi. During the PRRI/Permesta and DI/TII rebellions, he stood out as a battalion commander. When the G30S/PKI rebellion occurred, he was the Chief of Staff of Kodam Siliwangi and later became its Commander.
Despite his popularity, Pak Ton faced backlash for his criticisms, leading to accusations of supporting terror and imprisonment. As a junior officer, I visited him while he was in prison and later interacted with him when I became Captain. I witnessed his dedication to the people and democracy, even in the face of adversity.
Pak Ton’s bravery and commitment to democratic ideals left a lasting impression on me, inspiring me to continue fighting for the Republic. His legacy as a fearless and principled leader endures, serving as a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right.