Yos Sudarso had always dreamed of becoming a soldier from a young age, despite his parents’ preference for him to become a teacher. He fulfilled this dream when the Japanese government required additional military personnel for the Greater East Asia War.
He attended the Naval Academy in Semarang and received naval military training with the Japanese Navy, graduating as one of the top students. Yos Sudarso later served on a Japanese military ship.
Following the proclamation of Indonesian independence on August 17, 1945, he joined the People’s Security Agency in the marine sector (BKR Laut), which later became part of the Indonesian Navy.
Throughout his career, Yos Sudarso participated in various military operations to suppress insurgencies within Indonesia. He commanded several Indonesian Navy Ships (KRI) such as KRI Rajawali, KRI Alu, KRI Gajah Mada, KRI Pattimura, and KRI Macan Tutul. In 1958, he also served as a judge on a military court for four months.
In late 1961, President Sukarno initiated the Tri Komando Rakyat (TRIKORA), which involved an operation in the Aru Sea near Maluku to support the liberation of West Papua from the Dutch. Yos Sudarso, then serving as the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (KSAL), led the operation. Three KRIs, including KRI Macan Tutul under his command, were involved in the mission.
When three Dutch warships detected the Indonesian operation, Yos Sudarso ordered a temporary retreat. However, the Dutch misinterpreted this move and opened fire. Despite the engine failure of KRI Macan Tutul, Yos Sudarso made a quick decision to sacrifice his ship as a shield to protect the other two KRIs. The Dutch successfully sank KRI Macan Tutul, and Yos Sudarso, along with 24 other men, lost their lives in the battle of the Aru Sea.
Yos Sudarso’s heroic sacrifice at the age of 36 exemplifies his dedication to serving his country in the line of duty.
