By: Prabowo Subianto
Pak Wismoyo Arismunandar was a commander who had a significant influence on me. His teachings resonated with me personally, especially his emphasis on always thinking good, doing good, and speaking well. He believed that one should never harbor ill thoughts towards others, a lesson that has stayed with me throughout the years.
I first met Pak Wismoyo when I joined KOPASSANDHA. At the time, he served as the Deputy Assistant for Security (Waaspam) with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, while I was a Second Lieutenant. It was later revealed to me that he was actually the brother-in-law of Pak Harto, with his wife being the younger sister of Ibu Tien Suharto.
In 1978, Pak Wismoyo became our Commander in KOPASSANDHA Group 1, while I was the Commander of Company 112. It was during this time that I truly got to know him and the impact he had on me as a leader.
He always emphasized the importance of good spirits and humor, encouraging us to be enthusiastic and to applaud generously when needed. While some may have mocked him for paying attention to seemingly trivial matters like hand clapping, I believed in the significance of creating a positive and joyful atmosphere for our troops.
One of the key lessons I learned from Pak Wismoyo was that brave men must be happy. He believed that a leader should engage in activities like singing, sports, and group events to uplift and comfort his men, who faithfully carried out his commands day in and day out.
Pak Wismoyo’s teachings were deeply rooted in Indonesian and TNI culture. He believed in the unity between a leader and his men, encouraging leaders to actively participate in the activities that brought joy to their troops, regardless of their own skills or preferences.
I personally witnessed his commitment to leading by example during a ceremony at KOPASSUS, where he surprised me by asking me to sing. With the help of a keyboardist, I delivered a performance that left everyone impressed, showcasing the importance of creating a positive and lively environment.
His motto of “discipline is my breath, loyalty is my soul, honour is everything” has stuck with me over the years, guiding my leadership style in both military and political settings. Pak Wismoyo’s emphasis on not speaking ill of others and his forgiving nature towards mistakes also left a lasting impression on me.
I also admired his dedication to physical fitness and marksmanship, skills that he actively encouraged me to develop. His belief in continuous training and improvement led me to become one of the top shooters in KOPASSUS and KOSTRAD, earning me a spot on the shooting team during his tenure as the head of KOSTRAD and the Army (KASAD).
One of the most memorable lessons I learned from Pak Wismoyo was the importance of spirituality and closeness to God in times of danger and uncertainty. Before my first operation as a Company Commander, he gifted me a prayer mat, reminding me of the need to remain connected to a higher power during challenging times.
Overall, Pak Wismoyo Arismunandar’s teachings and actions have had a profound impact on my leadership journey. His emphasis on creating a happy and supportive environment, leading by example, and staying true to one’s principles continue to guide me in my role as a leader.
