Bandung (BERITAPOLITIK.ONLINE) — The Indonesian Air Force, together, seeks support from various parties to propose Marshal TNI (Ret.) R. Surjadi Soerjadarma as a national hero. Support has been received from the Cirebon City Government and the West Java Provincial Government, as revealed by Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff (Wakasau) Air Marshal TNI Andyawan Martono Putra during the keynote speech of the National Seminar held in Bandung, West Java, on Monday (04/03/2024).
The seminar is a result of collaboration between the Indonesian Air Force and the Regional Title Researchers and Assessors Team (TP2GD) of West Java Province, as part of the requirements to propose Marshal TNI (Ret.) R. Surjadi Soerjadarma as a national hero. He, also known as the Father of the Indonesian Air Force (AURI), was the first chief of staff of the Indonesian Air Force.
The seminar’s theme highlights Air Marshal/Marshal TNI (Ret.) Raden Surjadi Soerjadarma as an inspirational figure in shaping the Indonesian Air Force during the struggle for Indonesia’s independence. Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force, Air Marshal TNI Fadjar Prasetyo, invited participants to commemorate the heroism, especially of those who participated in safeguarding Indonesia’s independence through the Air Force.
Marshal Fadjar continued by quoting President Soekarno’s thoughts on the importance of having the best Air Force to stand equal to international military forces. He believed that Surjadi Soerjadarma translated those thoughts into the establishment of AURI. As the first chief of staff of the Indonesian Air Force, he made significant contributions by leading the construction of pilot schools, air operations against Dutch forces, and the formation of Air Force paratrooper units.
The Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force emphasized that support to propose R. Surjadi Soerjadarma as a national hero is also needed from the Ministry of Social Affairs, the West Java Provincial Government, and the Cirebon City Government. In this regard, Acting Governor of West Java, Bey Triadi Machmudin, expressed full support from the West Java Provincial Government for the proposal. Bey also acknowledged the preparation of necessary requirements, including through TP2GD, to propose R. Surjadi Soerjadarma as a national hero.
Thus, the collective effort to nominate Marshal TNI (Ret.) R. Surjadi Soerjadarma as a national hero is deemed highly appropriate and it is hoped that it will result in rightful recognition of his contributions to the Republic of Indonesia.
Source: ANTARA
