UPDATED VERSION:
In the book “Military Leadership Notes from Experience Chapter I: Exemplary Leaders of The Indonesian Armed Forces,” Lieutenant General TNI (Ret.) Himawan Soetanto is highlighted as an exemplary leader who emphasized the importance of a commander being close to his men. According to Prabowo Subianto, Himawan Soetanto’s leadership style involved being with his men from morning until night, checking on their well-being in every aspect, from their kitchen and bathroom to the quality of their underwear. This hands-on approach led to the discovery of corrupt practices, such as rationing one kilogram of meat for 16 people, resulting in what was referred to as ‘razor meat’ in the TNI.
Prabowo Subianto credits Himawan Soetanto for instilling in him the habit of paying attention to the details of his men’s daily lives. Aside from this practical leadership lesson, Prabowo also admired Himawan Soetanto for his extensive combat experience, his knowledge of multiple languages, and his passion for reading history books. The two shared a close relationship, with Prabowo considering Himawan Soetanto as one of his mentors.
Another exemplary leader highlighted in the book is Lieutenant General TNI (Ret.) Sarwo Edhie Wibowo, known for his charismatic, hands-on leadership style. Prabowo Subianto describes Sarwo Edhie as a dashing, well-dressed commander who led operations from the front, making him an idol among students, young people, and fellow officers. As a mentor at AKABRI, Sarwo Edhie instilled in his cadets the spirit of persistence and patriotism through his own experiences and his book, ‘My Life is for the Country and the Nation.’
Lastly, Grand General TNI (Ret.) Abdul Haris Nasution is mentioned as another key figure in the book, revered for his role in the struggle for Indonesia’s independence. Prabowo Subianto recounts the privilege of conversing with Nasution, describing it as a valuable opportunity to learn from a historical figure. Nasution’s expertise in guerrilla warfare strategies, experiences against the Dutch, and knowledge of history and languages further impressed Prabowo, highlighting Nasution’s significance in Indonesia’s history.
In conclusion, the lessons learned from exemplary leaders like Himawan Soetanto, Sarwo Edhie Wibowo, and Abdul Haris Nasution serve as valuable insights into effective leadership and the importance of being close to one’s men in the Indonesian Armed Forces.