By: Prabowo Subianto [taken from the Book: Military Leadership Notes from Experience Chapter I: Exemplary Leaders of The Indonesian Armed Forces]
Courage is absolutely essential for a soldier. It goes beyond physical courage to encompass moral courage as well. Physical courage is the ability to overcome fear in the face of injury and death. Moral courage is the willingness to stand by one’s beliefs, even if it means risking one’s office, rank, and position as a TNI soldier. Courage is demonstrated when a leader makes decisions in difficult and risky situations. Without courage, a military leader cannot succeed. Once a commander loses his courage, the respect and admiration from his men will diminish or disappear entirely.
A military leader must have a prominent and benevolent personality. It is not enough to be prominent; one must also be benevolent. Good personality traits include honesty, selflessness, humility, sacrifice, and steadfastness. Indonesian forefathers have outlined eight personal qualities for good leaders, known as hasta brata: like the Ocean, like the Moon, like a Star, like a Mountain, like the Earth, like the Fire, like the Wind, and like the Sun. These traits should be contemplated as they serve as a guide for effective leadership.
Loyalty is another crucial trait for a military leader. One must have unwavering loyalty to the country, the nation, and the people. Leaders who scapegoat or blame their subordinates under difficult circumstances lack loyalty. A true leader puts the interests of his men above his own and fosters a sense of camaraderie and dedication among the troops.
Professional skills are essential for a successful leader. A leader must be well-versed in their field and possess a thorough understanding of all levels of their organization. Vision and mastery are key components of professional skills, enabling a leader to make informed decisions and lead effectively.
Passion is what drives a military leader to act and achieve victory. It enables a leader to endure suffering, remain steadfast in the face of danger, and inspire others to follow. A passionate leader will outshine others who lack the same fervor and energy.
A leadership philosophy is crucial for guiding a leader in their actions and decisions. The 11 Principles of TNI Leadership provide a framework for effective leadership, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the country, the nation, and the armed forces above one’s own interests.
Excellent physical fitness, presence at critical moments and places, forward-thinking and creativity, a sense of responsibility and dedication, and an understanding of cybernetics and Murphy’s Law are all characteristics that define successful military leadership. A leader must be prepared to face challenges head-on, make tough decisions, and inspire their troops to achieve greatness.
