GENERAL SOEDIRMAN

General Soedirman is a hero that involved in the efforts for Indonesia’s Independence. He was one of
people who got five star grades. He was born on January 24, 1916. his father was Karsid Kartawiuraji and
his mother was Siyem. However, Soedirman was adopted by his uncle named Raden Cokrosunaryo, and
live with him. When Soedirman moved to Cilacap, he joined Muhammadiyah Islamic Organization and
became a diligent and active student in extracurricular activity. His skill in leading, organization, and his
obedient attitude toward religion made him respected by society.
He became a General when he was 31 years old. He had great commitment and loyalty which was shown.
He still involved in the guerrilla attack toward Netherlands when he got pneumonia.
General is a hero who was willing to sacrifice himself to defend his beloved country and nation. He was
noted as the first and youngest general ever in the Republic of Indonesia. He got his formal education
from Taman Siswa school and then he continued to HIK Muhammadiyah (teacher’s school) Solo but he
did not finish it. Meanwhile, his military education was begun through Pembela Tanah Air (Peta)
academy in Bogor. After he finished it, he became the battalion commander in Kroya. At that time, he
was very critical toward despotic policy and action of Japanese military. Due to his firm attitude, he was
almost killed by Japanese army.
After Indonesia reached its independence, there was a fight with Japanese troops and he was successful in
taking their gun in Banyumas. When Tentara Keamanan Rakyat (TKR) was formed, he was appointed as
the commander of Division V/ Banyuman with colonel grade. Through the conference of TKR on
November 2, 1945, he was elected to be the great General of TKR or the General of Indonesian Army.
Soedirman got his General grade due to his merit and achievement for country and nation. It was given by
the President of Indonesia.
When Netherlands troops came back and attack Indonesia which was well-known as Netherlands Military
Aggression II, the capital city of Indonesia was moved to Yogyakarta. At that time, Soedirman was sick.
He was very weak because of pneumonia and he only had one functioned lung. President Soekarno who
was kidnapped told that he should stay for medication at his hometown but he could not obey it. Due to
his commitment and responsibility as the military leader, he was involved to attack Netherlands troops
back.
He led the guerrilla attack from the hand barrow. For seven months, he and his troops moved from one
jungle to another jungle, mount to mount even though he was badly ill and weak and there was no
medicine stock. But, he always gave support, direction, and strategies as if he were not sick at that time.
At last, he left the war because his condition became worse. General Soedirman passed away when he
was very young, 34 years old. He passed away on January 29, 1950 in Magelang.