Pak Wismoyo was a commander who had a significant influence on me. His teachings left a lasting impact on me personally. One of his main teachings to his men was to always think good, do good, and speak well. He emphasized the importance of not harboring negative thoughts towards others. This teaching has stuck with me throughout the years as I believe it is aligned with Indonesian culture and the values of the Indonesian Armed Forces.
He believed that brave men should be happy and that a leader should uplift his men through activities like singing, sports, and group activities. He emphasized the importance of creating a positive and cheerful atmosphere for his troops. I first met Pak Wismoyo Arismunandar when I joined KOPASSANDHA. He served as the Deputy Assistant for Security (Waaspam) with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, while I was a Second Lieutenant. Over time, as he became our Commander in the KOPASSANDHA Group 1, I grew closer to him. He was a commander who left a lasting impression on me with his credo of ‘Think good, do good, and speak well’.
One of the lessons I learned from Pak Wismoyo was the importance of creating a happy and spirited environment for his men. He believed that a leader should actively participate in activities that his men enjoy, even if it means singing or dancing along with them. By fostering unity and camaraderie within the group, a leader can earn the respect and loyalty of his men.
Pak Wismoyo was known for his forgiving nature and his motto of ‘discipline is my breath, loyalty is my soul, honor is everything’. He instilled values of discipline, loyalty, and honor in those under his command. He also emphasized the importance of not speaking ill of others and maintaining humility, echoing Pak Harto’s advice of ‘Ojo adigang, adigung adiguna’.
He led by example, participating in training exercises and sports activities with his men despite any physical limitations. He was skilled in marksmanship and encouraged me to hone my shooting skills, recognizing the importance of proficiency in shooting for members of the Infantry Corps.
Overall, Pak Wismoyo’s leadership style and teachings have influenced my own leadership approach. I strive to create a positive and inclusive atmosphere within my team, prioritize discipline and loyalty, and lead by example in all aspects of my leadership.