By: Prabowo Subianto [taken from the Book: Military Leadership Notes from Experience Chapter I]
During his time on the battlefield, Slamet Riyadi always led his troops from the front. With his well-known and legendary army, he consistently matched the Dutch forces. Slamet Riyadi demonstrated that the TNI and the Republic of Indonesia had the capability to attack Dutch strongholds, such as Surakarta (Solo), which were heavily defended with artillery, infantry forces, and skilled commanders.
Lt. Col. Slamet Riyadi set an example for the future generations of TNI leaders by always being at the forefront. He was present in the most critical situations, closely managing the circumstances and acting as a role model. Fearless in the face of danger, he sacrificed his life for the honor of Indonesia and the TNI.
At a young age, Ignatius Slamet Riyadi, born on July 26, 1927, established a guerrilla force to support the independence declaration on August 17, 1945. He had been actively involved in resistance since the Japanese colonial period. When the Japanese occupied Indonesia, Slamet Riyadi, a native of Solo, enrolled in the Marine Academy of the Japanese Military Government in Jakarta.
During this time, he met like-minded nationalists who were planning to overthrow the Japanese rule. Following Japan’s defeat in World War II, Slamet Riyadi mobilized his fellow sailors to take up arms, even gaining control of a Japanese vessel.
Returning to Solo, Slamet Riyadi rallied the youth from former Japanese-organized armed forces like PETA, Heiho, and Kaigun to support the local resistance against Dutch attempts to recolonize Indonesia.
Slamet Riyadi played a direct role in numerous battles against the Dutch forces, particularly during the first and second Dutch Military Aggression. He led troops in various regions of Central Java, including Ambarawa and Semarang.
On the battlefield, Slamet Riyadi consistently led from the front, bravely facing the Dutch forces with his renowned army. He demonstrated that the TNI and the Republic of Indonesia had the capability to challenge Dutch strongholds, including heavily fortified Surakarta.
As a Lieutenant Colonel, Slamet Riyadi commanded the Surakarta General Offensive on August 7-10, 1949, also known as the Four-Day General Offensive. This attack, conducted just before a ceasefire with the Dutch, showcased the TNI’s strength in expelling foreign forces. For his successful leadership, Slamet Riyadi was granted authority over Surakarta by the Dutch military.
Slamet Riyadi’s dedication continued as he was deployed to West Java to combat the Legion of Ratu Adil (APRA), led by former Dutch Colonial Army Captain Raymond Westerling in Bandung in January 1950.
Following the Dutch recognition of Indonesia’s independence in late 1949, Slamet Riyadi was tasked with suppressing the Republic of South Maluku (RMS) rebellion in Ambon on July 10, 1950.
Leading the operation to apprehend Dr. Soumokil, the RMS leader, Slamet Riyadi was appointed as the operational commander for the mission in Ambon.
Despite facing fierce resistance, TNI forces, under Slamet Riyadi’s leadership, successfully captured most of Ambon City, including Fort Victoria. During a particularly intense battle at the fort’s gate, Slamet Riyadi, always at the forefront with his troops, was fatally wounded by a rebel bullet while directing his men. Although he received medical care, he passed away at 21:45 on November 4, 1950, and was posthumously promoted to the rank of Brigadier General.
Brigadier General Posthumous Slamet Riyadi’s legacy teaches future TNI leaders the importance of leading from the front, being present in critical moments, and setting an example for others. He fearlessly sacrificed his life for the pride of Indonesia and the TNI.
