From SBY, We Learn To Be The Commander Of The Ceremony At The State Palace Like A Gymnastic Test

Assistant Kodam Jaya Colonel Inf Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) when he was the commander of the 49th Indonesian Independence Day ceremony at the State Palace on August 17, 1994. (Twitter/@jansen_jsp)

JAKARTA - Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's dream (SBY) to become a soldier is second to none. The courage of the army to defend the nation and state became a cause. SBY tries to achieve his dream from still attending the People's School. The results are brilliant. He is often asked by his school as the commander of the ceremony.

SBY finally began knitting dreams in the Army (AD). Who would have thought that SBY was then elected commander of the 49th Indonesian Birthday (HUT) ceremony in 1994 at the State Palace. This opportunity became a test ground for guts throughout SBY's military career.

Life as a village boy is not an obstacle for SBY to knit dreams. He dared to make dreams as a soldier. All because of his father, Raden Soekotjo. The life of his father who devoted himself to being a soldier became an inspiration.

The narrative was then carried away when SBY began to last as a school child. SBY was entrusted by Soekotjo to his uncle, Sasto Suyitno who worked as the Village Head of Ploso Village, Pacitan. He was admitted to Gajah Mada's People's School (SR) in Purwosari Village, Pacitan.

Instead of only using SBY's time by playing a lot, SBY grew up as a person who likes to study and be active. He followed all kinds of school activities, including leadership and sports.

This activity brings results. SBY grew tall and sturdy. His teachers at SR did not waste SBY's physical and talent. Every routine ceremony and important day, the teacher often makes SBY as the ceremonial commander.

SBY's popularity continues. SBY is often asked to lead greetings when his teacher enters class. The process made SBY grow into a smart person. His dream as a soldier then turned on even more when the holidays arrived.

All because he and his friends managed to visit the National Military Academy: AMN (now: Akmil) in Magelang. This experience became an unforgettable moment for little SBY until he graduated from SR in 1962. A step that became SBY's trigger in the future gained knowledge in Akmil and became the best graduate and was entitled to the gift of Adhi Makayasa in 1973.

"Secretly he grew his intention to become a soldier. His determination grew stronger when he visited Akmil for the first time, Magelang, Central Java. SBY, who was in 5th grade, was undergoing a school vacation. His father with the rank of Army non-commissioned officer (finally retired as a lieutenant), with his family taking SBY for a tour to the Tidar Valley, Magelang, Central Java, where Military Academy was established.

SBY said he was attracted to the recklessness of AMN cadets who walked and lined up firmly at that time. When the tour group stopped to Yogyakarta, I had time to buy a sword, because in my imagination, the soldier carried swords and weapons. SBY promised in his heart, one day it will become like the dashing cadets, "explained Guard Maeswara in the book Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (2009).

SBY's courage in the military world is never half-hearted. His success in becoming the best graduate of the Military Academy did not make him big-headed. Instead, he became a person who continued to be thirsty for knowledge and experience. He participated in the courses of domestic and foreign soldiers.

The training made SBY rich in experience. He is not only full of courses, SBY is also like an experience on the battlefield. He was once assigned as Commander of the Combat Unit Battalion in Operation Seroja in 1979.

Everything is carried out by SBY with joy. However, he considered the tension of courses and taking part in the battlefield to be the commander of the 49th Indonesian Independence Day ceremony at the State Palace on August 17, 1994.

The Commander of the Colonel Inf Brigade, SBY who is also the Assistant Operations for Kodam Jaya actually feels challenged, as well as horrified. On the one hand, SBY is used to being the commander of the ceremony at his school. On the other hand, he was chosen as the Ceremony Commander witnessed by President Suharto like a test of his guts.

SBY said the task was simple, but risky. Because, if he fails, his military career may run on the spot. On the other hand, if he succeeds, his military career is predicted to climb. He also stood tall on the pitch. It doesn't matter how much sweat comes out.

The field is straight forward. SBY was tense. However, he ventured to show his best. He perpetuated his duties to the fullest until the ceremony was over. From the ceremony raised the flag to the drop.

Perhaps after the ceremony SBY's career continued to grow. In fact, SBY was not only successful in the military, but also when working outside the barracks, aka outside the military. He has repeatedly been a state official in the class of ministers after the New Order collapsed. Then, the peak of SBY's career was amazing. He was transformed as the 6th President of the Republic of Indonesia who served from 2004 to 2014.

"If successful in carrying out his duties as commander of the August 17 ceremony in the courtyard of the State Palace, he will still occupy his position. But if he fails, for example, his helmet or sword is released, or fainted - his military career will definitely be gray," explained Usamah Hisyam in the book SBY: The Democrat (2004).