Called Smells of Earth? Never Underestimate Sutiyoso!

Summary

This video delves into the life of Sutioso, a key figure in Indonesia’s military and political history. Born in 1944, Sutioso rose through the ranks of the military, known for his covert operations, leadership, and bravery, particularly during the conflict in Timor Timur. His career spanned from commanding special forces to serving as Governor of Jakarta, where he introduced groundbreaking policies like Trans Jakarta. Later, he became the head of Indonesia's National Intelligence Agency, modernizing its operations. Sutioso's life exemplifies dedication, sacrifice, and a commitment to national security, leaving a lasting impact on both military and civilian sectors.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sutioso was a key figure in Indonesia's history, known for his bravery, secret operations, and extreme decisions.
• 😀 He was a military figure who worked behind the scenes during major crises, providing leadership where others chose to avoid responsibility.
• 😀 Sutioso’s military career started in the Kopassus, Indonesia's special forces, where he carried out high-risk, covert missions.
• 😀 One of his notable early operations was infiltrating Timor Timur as a student to gather crucial intelligence for military operations.
• 😀 Sutioso's success in this operation contributed to the successful launch of Operation Flamboyan and later, Operation Seroja, minimizing casualties.
• 😀 He demonstrated extraordinary leadership by risking his life to evacuate injured soldiers during an intense firefight in Timor Timur.
• 😀 After his success in the military, Sutioso was promoted to commander of the Jakarta military command and later became the Governor of Jakarta in 1997.
• 😀 As Governor, Sutioso implemented significant urban policies, such as launching Trans Jakarta, the first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Indonesia.
• 😀 Sutioso’s tenure as Governor also involved stricter traffic regulations and public health initiatives, though he faced criticism over issues like flooding and corruption.
• 😀 In 2015, he returned to national service as the head of the Indonesian National Intelligence Agency (BIN), where he modernized intelligence operations and emphasized inter-agency collaboration.
• 😀 Sutioso’s leadership legacy is defined by his commitment to serving the nation, from military service to public governance, with a focus on innovation, discipline, and national security.

Q & A

Who is Sutioso and what is his significance in Indonesian history?

Sutioso is a prominent Indonesian military and political figure known for his leadership, courage, and dedication to the country. His contributions include important military operations, the modernization of Jakarta's transport system, and his leadership in Indonesia's intelligence agency. He was a quiet yet powerful figure who shaped the nation during crises.

What were Sutioso's early life and education like?

Sutioso was born on December 6, 1944, in Semarang, Indonesia. Raised in a family with a middle-level education, he excelled from a young age and showed strong leadership qualities. He completed his primary and secondary education in his hometown before enrolling in the Indonesian Military Academy in the early 1960s.

How did Sutioso's military career begin, and what was his first major mission?

Sutioso's military career began after he graduated from the Indonesian Military Academy and joined the Special Forces, Kopasus. His first major mission was in 1975 during the Timor Timur conflict, where he carried out a secret mission to infiltrate enemy lines, gather critical intelligence, and help plan military operations that eventually led to the liberation of the region.

What significant role did Sutioso play during the Timor Timur operation?

Sutioso played a key role in Operation Flamboyan and later Operation Seroja by providing vital intelligence that helped the Indonesian forces minimize casualties and execute a successful military operation. His courage and leadership were instrumental in the success of these operations.

What were some of Sutioso's notable actions during his time as a commander in the Kopasus?

One of Sutioso's most notable actions was during an operation where he rescued wounded soldiers trapped in a firefight. For five days, he carried injured soldiers on his own, all while ensuring their safety under extreme conditions, until he successfully called for helicopter evacuation.

How did Sutioso contribute to Jakarta as the Governor of DKI Jakarta?

As Governor of Jakarta from 1997 to 2007, Sutioso modernized the city’s infrastructure. His most notable achievement was launching TransJakarta, Indonesia's first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. He also introduced policies like smoking bans in public places and stricter traffic regulations, though his tenure also faced challenges like flooding and accusations of corruption.

What was the significance of the TransJakarta project during Sutioso's tenure as governor?

TransJakarta was a landmark project, as it introduced the first BRT system in Indonesia, offering a more efficient and affordable public transportation option. It helped reduce traffic congestion in Jakarta and served as a model for other cities in the country.

What challenges did Sutioso face during his time as governor?

Sutioso faced criticism over the recurring issue of flooding in Jakarta, which remained unresolved during his tenure. Additionally, his administration faced accusations of corruption, particularly regarding the issuance of development permits and the management of green spaces in the city.

What role did Sutioso play in Indonesia's intelligence community?

In 2015, Sutioso was appointed Head of the National Intelligence Agency (BIN). Under his leadership, BIN embraced modernization by utilizing big data, enhancing cybersecurity, and fostering collaboration with other national security agencies to better address terrorism and cyber threats.

How did Sutioso influence national security during his tenure as head of BIN?

Sutioso modernized BIN by incorporating advanced technologies, such as big data and cybersecurity measures, to address evolving threats. He promoted a more collaborative approach to intelligence gathering, emphasizing the role of public involvement and enhancing coordination between various security agencies.