from where we were stationed. I consulted with Bayani, who was part of the Kasuari Team. As mentioned earlier, he dismissed the British intelligence, citing the lack of water in that area as a reason why the hostages could not possibly be there. Despite my initial doubts, I decided to trust Bayani’s instincts and sent the assault helicopters to the coordinates provided by the British SAS. As the helicopters approached the location, the hostages were indeed found there, huddled together, waiting to be rescued.
The operation was a success, and all 26 hostages, including the seven foreign nationals, were rescued unharmed. It was a defining moment in my military career, and I will always be grateful for the bravery and expertise of Warrant Officer Bayani and the Kasuari Team. Their exceptional tracking abilities and unwavering determination played a crucial role in the successful rescue of the hostages. From that day on, Warrant Officer Bayani was hailed as a hero in KOPASSUS and his reputation as the “Papuan Rambo” only grew stronger.
I learnt an important lesson that day – sometimes, human intelligence and instincts can be more reliable than advanced technology. And in the case of Warrant Officer Bayani, his deep knowledge of the terrain and his ability to read the signs of nature were invaluable assets that ultimately saved the lives of 26 people. I will always remember and honor the courage and skill of Warrant Officer Bayani, a true hero of the TNI.
