Magelang — President Prabowo Subianto highlighted the importance of leading by example, known as ing ngarso sung tulodo (a leader must lead by example), as he led the Twilight Parade in the midst of heavy rain. He was accompanied by members of the Merah Putih Cabinet at Pancasila Field, Graha Utama Military Academy, Magelang, Central Java, on a rainy Friday evening (Oct. 25).
“I am proud of each and every one of you. I noticed you all standing in the rain, so I invited the generals to join and get wet as well,” Prabowo remarked.
“Our leadership principle is ing ngarso sung tulodo. When the soldiers are wet, the leaders must also get wet. When the soldiers are hot, the leaders should feel the heat as well. When the soldiers go hungry, the leaders must also experience hunger. This is the basis of our leadership,” he elaborated.
Prabowo also shared a story about a one-star general who sacrificed his life during an operation, illustrating the idea that a leader should always stand with their soldiers, even in dangerous situations.
“I once heard about a one-star general who lost his life in the line of duty. Some questioned why a brigadier general was in an active operation zone. It was because, according to our tradition, the hazards faced by the soldiers must also be shared by their superiors,” he recounted.
He finished by explaining that bringing the Merah Putih Cabinet to the event was to witness firsthand the spirit and discipline of the future generation of leaders.
“I brought them here to witness the emerging leaders of our nation, to observe your spirit and discipline. A soldier is prepared to sacrifice everything for the nation and the state, and the ministers are also ready to give their all in safeguarding the interests of the Indonesian people,” Prabowo affirmed. (RR)
