By: Prabowo Subianto
At a young age, Ignatius Slamet Riyadi formed a guerrilla force to support Indonesia’s independence proclamation in 1945. He had been fighting since the Japanese colonial era, enrolling in the Marine Academy of the Japanese Military Government in Jakarta during the Japanese occupation.
After Japan’s defeat in World War II, Slamet Riyadi returned to Solo and gathered former Japanese-organised armed forces to support the Indonesian struggle against Dutch forces. He led troops in battles during the first and second Dutch Military Aggression in Central Java.
During the Surakarta General Offensive in 1949, Slamet Riyadi, as a Lieutenant Colonel, demonstrated the TNI’s strength in expelling the Dutch from the country. He later fought against the Legion of Ratu Adil in West Java and suppressed the Republic of South Maluku rebellion in Ambon in 1950.
Trusted by TNI leadership to lead the operations in Ambon, Slamet Riyadi was always at the front line, facing intense fighting against well-equipped rebel forces. Despite his valiant efforts, he was hit by a rebel bullet and passed away in November 1950. Posthumously promoted to Brigadier General, Slamet Riyadi’s leadership exemplified courage and sacrifice for the glory of Indonesia and the TNI.
