Lieutenant General TNI (ret.) Himawan Soetanto was known for his close relationship with his men. He emphasized the importance of a commander being present among the troops from morning until night, checking on their well-being and even the quality of their underwear. Himawan Soetanto’s leadership style was hands-on and detail-oriented, leading to the discovery of corrupt practices in the kitchen and the distribution of “razor meat” among soldiers.
His commitment to being actively involved with his troops influenced Prabowo Subianto to adopt a similar approach in his own leadership style. Himawan Soetanto’s dedication to his men and his attention to detail left a lasting impression on Prabowo Subianto.
Lieutenant General TNI (ret.) Sarwo Edhie Wibowo was another exemplary leader who left a mark on Prabowo Subianto. Known for his charisma and hands-on leadership style, Sarwo Edhie Wibowo was admired by young cadets and officers alike. He instilled in them the spirit of persistence and patriotism, emphasizing the importance of love for the homeland and pride in the nation’s heritage.
Prabowo Subianto first encountered Sarwo Edhie Wibowo during his cadet days, where he heard stories of his leadership during critical moments in Indonesian history. Sarwo Edhie Wibowo’s dedication to the military and his values of honesty and integrity left a lasting impact on Prabowo Subianto, inspiring him to uphold similar principles in his own career.
Finally, Grand General TNI (ret.) Abdul Haris Nasution was a key figure in Indonesia’s struggle for independence. Prabowo Subianto had the privilege of engaging in conversations with Nasution, where he shared his experiences and knowledge of guerrilla warfare strategies and Indonesian history. Nasution’s expertise in history and languages, along with his valuable insights, made a profound impact on Prabowo Subianto’s understanding of leadership and military strategy.
Overall, the exemplary leadership of Himawan Soetanto, Sarwo Edhie Wibowo, and Abdul Haris Nasution played a significant role in shaping Prabowo Subianto’s leadership style and values as a military leader in the Indonesian Armed Forces.
