Courage is essential for a soldier, both in terms of physical and moral courage. Physical courage is the willingness to face fear of injury and death, while moral courage involves standing firm in one’s beliefs even if it means risking rank and position. A military leader must have the courage to make difficult decisions in risky situations in order to succeed.
A prominent and benevolent personality is also important for a military leader. Honesty, humility, sacrifice, and a willingness to put others before oneself are all traits of a good leader. Indonesian forefathers have identified eight qualities of good leaders, known as hasta brata, which include being broad-minded, a guiding light, showing the right direction, having steadfast beliefs, understanding the needs of others, providing warmth, being able to move freely, and being a source of positive energy.
Loyalty to the country, nation, and people is crucial for a military leader. A leader must be committed to the organization, dedicated to comrades and the men they lead, and always put the interests of their men above their own. Professional skills, passion, physical fitness, presence at critical moments, forward-thinking and creativity, cybernetics, and a sense of responsibility all contribute to successful military leadership.
In conclusion, a military leader must possess courage, a prominent and benevolent personality, loyalty, professional skills, passion, physical fitness, presence at critical moments, forward-thinking and creativity, cybernetics, a sense of responsibility, and a willingness to put others before oneself in order to succeed in leading their men to victory.
