Magelang — President Prabowo Subianto highlighted the importance of leading by example, known as ing ngarso sung tulodo (a leader must lead by example), while leading the Twilight Parade in the rain with members of the Merah Putih Cabinet at Pancasila Field, Graha Utama Military Academy, Magelang, Central Java, on Friday evening (Oct. 25).
“I am proud of all of you. I saw you standing in the rain, so I asked the generals to join and also get wet,” Prabowo said.
“Our leadership principle is ing ngarso sung tulodo. When the soldiers are wet, the leaders should be wet too. When the soldiers are hot, the leaders should feel the heat as well. When the soldiers are hungry, the leaders should experience hunger too. This is the basis of our leadership,” he explained.
Prabowo also shared a story about a one-star general who sacrificed his life during a mission, showing that a leader should stand with their soldiers, even in dangerous situations.
“I once heard about a one-star general who died in the line of duty. Some questioned why a brigadier general was in an active operation area. It was because, according to our tradition, the risks faced by the soldiers should also be shared by their leaders,” he recalled.
He concluded by mentioning that bringing the Merah Putih Cabinet to the event was to witness the spirit and discipline of the future leaders.
“I brought them to see the emerging leaders of our country, to witness your spirit and discipline. A soldier is willing to give everything for the nation and the state, and the ministers are equally prepared to defend the interests of the Indonesian people,” Prabowo stated. (RR)
