Pak Wismoyo was a commander who greatly influenced Prabowo Subianto. His teachings of always thinking good, doing good, and speaking well left a lasting impact on him. Pak Wismoyo emphasized the importance of not harboring ill thoughts towards others, a value that resonated with Prabowo and was aligned with Indonesian and TNI culture. He believed that brave men must be happy and that a leader should comfort his men through activities like singing and sports.
Prabowo first met Pak Wismoyo when he joined KOPASSANDHA, where he served as the Deputy Assistant for Security. Initially, Prabowo was not very close to him, but as their paths crossed again in 1978 when Pak Wismoyo became the Commander of KOPASSANDHA Group 1, Prabowo began to get to know and appreciate him more.
Pak Wismoyo’s emphasis on creating a happy atmosphere and bonding with his men by participating in their activities, such as singing and dancing, left a significant impression on Prabowo. He also valued discipline, loyalty, and honour, as reflected in his motto: “discipline is my breath, loyalty is my soul, honour is everything.”
Prabowo learned important life lessons from Pak Wismoyo, including the importance of not speaking ill of others and the significance of setting a good example through actions. Despite his high rank, Pak Wismoyo was approachable, forgiving, and often gave second chances to those who made mistakes.
Pak Wismoyo’s dedication to physical fitness and marksmanship also had a profound impact on Prabowo, who became one of the best shooters in KOPASSUS and KOSTRAD through continuous training and encouragement from Pak Wismoyo. He also appreciated Pak Wismoyo’s advice on spiritual preparedness, especially before embarking on risky operations where lives were at stake.
Overall, Pak Wismoyo’s leadership style, focus on creating a positive environment, and strong moral compass left a lasting impression on Prabowo and influenced his own approach to leadership and camaraderie within the military.