By: Prabowo Subianto [taken from the Book: Military Leadership Notes from Experience Chapter I]
On the battlefield, Slamet Riyadi was always in front of his troops. Slamet Riyadi, with his famous and legendary army, always managed to keep pace with the Dutch forces. Slamet Riyadi proved that the TNI and the Republic of Indonesia could attack the Dutch power centres, including Surakarta (Solo), which was defended with heavy weapons, artillery, infantry forces and good commanders.
Lt. Col. Slamet Riyadi has proved to the next generation of TNI leaders that he was a leader who always led from the front. He was always present at the most critical places and times, controlling the situation up close and setting an example. He was undaunted in the face of any dangers, and he gave his life for the glory of Indonesia and the TNI.
Ignatius Slamet Riyadi, born on July 26, 1927, formed a guerrilla force at a very young age to support Indonesia’s independence proclamation on 17 August 1945. He had been involved in fighting since the Japanese colonial era when he was enrolled in the Marine Academy of the Japanese Military Government in Jakarta during the Japanese occupation.
Upon meeting fellow nationalists plotting to expel the Japanese, Slamet Riyadi led his fellow sailors in taking control of a Japanese ship after Japan’s defeat in World War II. Returning to Solo, he gathered former Japanese-organised armed forces to support the People of Solo in their struggle against the Dutch forces.
Slamet Riyadi played a direct role in various battles against the Dutch during the first and second Dutch Military Aggression, leading troops in Central Java, including areas in Ambarawa and Semarang.
Always at the forefront of his troops on the battlefield, Slamet Riyadi’s leadership and bravery were evident in withstanding the Dutch forces, especially in Surakarta, which was heavily defended with artillery, infantry forces, and commandos.
As a Lieutenant Colonel, Slamet Riyadi led the Surakarta General Offensive in August 1949 before a ceasefire, demonstrating the TNI’s strength in expelling the Dutch. He was then tasked with fighting the Legion of Ratu Adil in West Java and suppressing the RMS rebellion in Ambon in 1950.
Leading TNI forces in the operation to apprehend Dr. Soumokil, the leader of the RMS, Slamet Riyadi was hit by a rebel bullet at Fort Victoria in Ambon and passed away on November 4, 1950. His bravery and sacrifice posthumously earned him the rank of Brigadier General.
Brigadier General Posthumous Slamet Riyadi exemplified leadership on the battlefield, always present at critical moments, taking control of the situation, and leading by example. His ultimate sacrifice for Indonesia and the TNI continues to inspire future generations of TNI leaders.
