Yos Sudarso had always wanted to be a soldier from a young age, despite his parents preferring him to become a teacher. His dream became a reality when he joined the Naval Academy in Semarang and received military education with the Japanese Navy during the Greater East Asia War. Graduating as one of the top students, he later served on a Japanese military ship.
After Indonesia’s independence in 1945, Yos Sudarso joined the People’s Security Agency in the marine sector, which later became part of the Indonesian Navy. Throughout his career, he participated in various military operations to combat insurgencies in Indonesia. He commanded several Indonesian Navy Ships, including KRI Rajawali, KRI Alu, KRI Gajah Mada, KRI Pattimura, and KRI Macan Tutul. In 1958, he also served as a judge on a military court for four months.
In late 1961, President Sukarno initiated the Tri Komando Rakyat (TRIKORA), which involved an operation in the Aru Sea near Maluku to support the liberation of West Papua from Dutch control. As the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Yos Sudarso led three KRIs in a covert operation in the Maluku waters. When Dutch warships detected their movements, Yos Sudarso ordered a temporary retreat. However, the Dutch misinterpreted the maneuver as an attack and opened fire.
Despite his ship’s engine failing, Yos Sudarso made a quick decision to sacrifice his own ship, KRI Macan Tutul, to shield the other two KRIs and allow them to escape. The Dutch warship’s second shot engulfed KRI Macan Tutul in flames, causing it to sink along with Yos Sudarso and 24 other men.
Yos Sudarso bravely gave his life in service of his country during the battle of the Aru Sea. His selfless act of sacrifice at the age of 36 exemplifies his dedication to Indonesia and its freedom.