A Great Loss to West Java and Indonesia
Bandung, West Java (BERITAPOLITIK.ONLINE) — West Java and Indonesia mourn the loss of one of its prominent figures, Lieutenant General TNI (Ret.) Solihin Gautama Purwanegara (Solihin GP), who passed away on Tuesday, April 5, 2024, at 03:09 AM WIB. The late, fondly known as Mang Ihin, was a significant figure in the history of West Java and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI).
Quoting from ANTARA in Bandung, the man also known as Mang Ihin passed away while under treatment at RS Advent, Kota Bandung. The news of Solihin GP’s passing has been confirmed by the family spokesperson and Head of the Communication and Information Division of the Tatar Sunda Forestry and Environmental Observer Council (DPKLTS), Taufan Suranto.
“Innalillahi wainnailaihi rojiun. Lieutenant General TNI (Ret.) H. Solihin GP (Mang Ihin), the elder of West Java and Siliwangi, an environmental warrior, and the founder of the Tatar Sunda Environmental Observer Council (DPKLTS) passed away at the age of 97 on Tuesday, April 5, 2024, at 03.09 AM WIB at RS Advent Bandung. May the deceased have a good ending, and may his family be given fortitude, amen YRA,” said Taufan in his brief message.
Various figures and communities attended to pay their respects and prayers for the deceased. Among them were former Vice President Jusuf Kalla with his wife, former Chief of West Java Regional Police Mochamad Iriawan, and classical Sundanese dance figure, Ira, who also came to pay their respects at Makodam Siliwangi. Also seen were Acil Bimbo, Jaka Bimbo, Ceu Popong, and Atalia Praratya.
Brief Biography
Solihin GP was born in Tasikmalaya on July 21, 1926, the son of Abdulgani Poerwanegara, a civil servant in the colonial government who worked in Bandung and Garut, and Siti Ningrum.
He attended a colonial primary school (Europeesche Lagere School) and spent two years at a Dutch secondary school (Meer Uitgebreid Lager Onderwijs Bogor).
His military career began while he was still in high school during the revolutionary period. Even Solihin GP took his final exams in combat uniform. Solihin once served as the commander of the People’s Security Army (TKR) in Bogor Regency before joining the Siliwangi Division.
His last military rank was lieutenant general.
He served as the Governor of West Java from 1970 to 1975. In addition, Solihin GP is known as an environmental activist and the founder of the Tatar Sunda Forestry and Environmental Observer Council (DPKLTS).
Solihin GP also served as the Chairman of Persib Bandung.
Passed Away Due to Illness
Solihin GP passed away while undergoing treatment at RS Advent, Kota Bandung, after undergoing intensive care for 15 days.
“Yes (he passed away). He was treated for 15 days before he passed away. He was treated in the Pavilion room,” said the RS Advent spokesperson, Charles Tandilangi, in Bandung on Tuesday (05/04/2024).
RS Advent spokesperson, Charles Tandilangi, did not provide further information about the illness suffered by the deceased.
“While we from the hospital side cannot provide further information,” said Charles.
Meanwhile, as reported by Kompas.com, Satria Kamal, the third child of the deceased, revealed that his father underwent treatment at Advent Hospital three times in the last month. The third treatment lasted for 12 days until Solihin passed away.
According to Satria, his father never suffered from chronic illnesses but had suffered a stroke up to six times. The deceased was paralyzed and used a wheelchair.
“During two days of treatment at RS Advent, he experienced lung problems. After being treated, he experienced heart swelling and kidney disorders until finally he passed away,” said Satria.
He said the deceased did not leave any last messages due to his health condition. “Until his last breath, he did not say a word,” he added.
Achievements and Contributions
Solihin GP’s achievements in the military and political fields deserve appreciation.
Solihin GP played a role in combating and suppressing rebellion against the Indonesian Republic. He fought against the Indonesian Communist Party after the Madiun Event in 1948. Then, he participated in operations against the Darul Islam rebellion in West Java in 1964. He then moved to the Hasanuddin Military Region Command XIV in South Sulawesi, participating in operations against the Darul Islam branch of Abdul Kahar Muzakkar. He became the commander of Hasanuddin in 1965.
During his tenure as Governor of West Java, he successfully addressed the food crisis in Indramayu by popularizing gogo rancah rice. His contribution is not only limited to the military and political fields but also includes the struggle for the environment and the establishment of DPKLTS.
After serving as Governor of West Java, Solihin was appointed as the President’s Secretary for Development Operations Control from 1977 to 1993. He then joined the Supreme Advisory Council and served as President Commissioner of a joint venture between two state-owned enterprises.
After the fall of Soeharto, he joined the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) and became a Regional Representative in the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI).
Among the prestigious decorations awarded to Solihin GP are the Bintang Maha Putra Utama, Bintang Jasa Pratama, Bintang Gerilya, Bintang Dharma, and Bintang Kartika Eka Paksi Nararya. Additionally, he received the Bintang Jasa for his missions abroad, including the United Nations Operation in the Congo (UNOC) Medal, Commander of the Order of Orange-Nassau from the Netherlands, and the Order of Diplomatic Service Merit – 3rd Class (Heung-in Medal) from South Korea.
These honors reflect not only his remarkable military career but also his significant contributions to international missions and diplomacy. Each medal symbolizes his dedication, bravery, and commitment to serving his country and promoting peace and cooperation beyond its borders.
Solihin GP’s achievements and decorations stand as a testament to his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to upholding the values of honor, courage, and service to humanity. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, reminding us of the importance of selflessness and sacrifice in the pursuit of a better world.
Peak Moments
Several significant moments in Solihin GP’s career and life recorded achievements that made him remembered by the public. In his political career, his role in handling food crises and dedication to the environment made him an inspirational figure.
Meanwhile, in his military career, participation in operations to suppress the DI/TII (Darul Islam branch) of Abdul Kahar Muzakkar was very impressive for the people of Makassar, South Sulawesi, especially for Vice President Jusuf Kalla.
Impressions and Memories
Family, colleagues, and the community express their impressions and memories of Solihin GP. In various statements, his firmness and leadership as well as his dedication as an environmental warrior are highly respected.
The 10th and 12th Vice President Jusuf Kalla (JK) referred to the late Solihin GP as a fighter who will always be remembered by the people of South Sulawesi (Sulsel) for providing a sense of security to the region.
“He, along with General M Yusuf, Mr. Solihin was the second figure to provide security for , which was completed in 1964. He was the political figure who provided a sense of security and secured South Sulawesi,” said Jusuf Kalla in Bandung on Tuesday.
Kalla added, “I have known him since I was in Makassar 20 years ago. Until now, I always visit because we are good friends. He has a leadership spirit but is very populist, not easy like that.”
Therefore, he deeply regrets the loss of Solihin GP, because he has become a good example with his unforgettable contributions, especially for the people of South Sulawesi.
“We all mourn the passing of Mr. Solihin GP, He is a national hero, especially for the people of South Sulawesi,” he said.
Acting Governor of West Java Bey Triadi Machmudin said West Java Province lost a exemplary figure of the nation.
“On behalf of myself and the West Java provincial government and all West Java residents, I express deep condolences for the passing of Mang Ihin (Solihin GP) and we pray that the deceased will die in Husnul Khatimah and his deeds be accepted and given the most noble place by Allah SWT,” he said.
Furthermore, Bey admitted that the last time he met Solihin was when accompanying President Jokowi in 2018. At that time, to Jokowi, Mang Ihin entrusted a message to revitalize the Citarum River sustainably.
“I came here with President Jokowi and at that time Mang Ihin entrusted the revitalization of the region and the Citarum River watershed. Well, even though he was old at that time in 2018, he still thought about the interests of the nation and state,” said Bey.
Funeral and Last Respects
The funeral of Solihin GP began by bringing the deceased to the family’s home on Jalan Cisitu Indah, Dago, Bandung on Tuesday (05/04/2024) at 07:00-09:00 AM WIB. Then, the deceased was taken to Mako II Kodam III Siliwangi on Jalan Sumbawa No. 22 Bandung around 09:30-12:30 AM WIB, before finally being buried at the Taman Makam Pahlawan (TMP) Cikutra at 01:30 PM WIB.
The funeral procession of Lieutenant General TNI (Ret.) Solihin GP was led by Acting Governor of West Java Bey Triadi Machmudin.
The body arrived at the entrance of TMP Cikutra at around 01:30 PM WIB, escorted by the Bandung Permanent Garrison Command vehicle along with several TNI soldiers.
The funeral procession took place militarily, consisting of the procession of the body from the entrance of TMP Cikutra to the grave, followed by an honor salute known as a volley.
After the procession, several retirees and officials directly placed flower arrangements on Solihin GP’s grave, such as Vice President 10th and 12th Jusuf Kalla (JK) and Governor of West Java Bey Machmudin.
Conclusion
With deep concern, we summarize the extraordinary life and contributions of Lieutenant General TNI (Ret.) Solihin GP. Let us all remember and honor his services that have had a positive impact on West Java and Indonesia as a whole. May the deceased rest in peace, and may the bereaved family be given fortitude. Innalillahi wainnailaihi rojiun.
Source: Various sources
