In this excerpt taken from the Book: Military Leadership Notes from Experience Chapter I, Prabowo Subianto shares the story of Teuku Umar, a smart and courageous military leader from the colonial period of Nusantara. Teuku Umar’s leadership was marked by his ability to outsmart the Dutch colonizers through deception and strategic maneuvers.
Despite initially serving in the Dutch army and even being awarded a prestigious title by the Dutch, Teuku Umar ultimately betrayed them to join the Acehnese resistance against foreign invaders. His ability to deceive the Dutch through ‘mock wars’ and his perseverance in the face of challenges made him a legendary figure in Indonesian history.
Teuku Umar’s story serves as a testament to the importance of leadership in overcoming adversity and achieving victory. It highlights the role of a strong and decisive leader in guiding their troops towards success, even in the most difficult circumstances.
