Many have often accused the main issue this great nation faces is a crises of leadership, a bureaucratic mess caused by past administration lingers and manifests into an array of problems ranging from bribery, nepotism, to the all-star favorite topic of graft (or corruption, whichever is preferable). Yet few have actually made an actual study to whom or which figure is the best practice of good national governance, a role model of a perfect governmental system that derives itself into the form of a civil utopia. Who then, do we look upon to be the best model of a perfect government, a perfect society that suits the people of Indonesia best at heart.
An old saying once went; ‘the best leaders are those who know how to follow’. This quote implies that the best leaders are those who know what they and their peers and subordinates want and is willing to lead them all to achieve their targets and brave the odds. If the case is so, then much can be learned from leaders from wartime eras.
Alexander the Great, or Iskander of Macedonia as some may refer, is a prime example of a leader who knows how to follow. A young prince and warrior, Alexander was known to have been both a brilliant strategist and a worthy fighter. The conqueror would consult and strategize with his generals and lead the first charge into battle, something today’s army leaders often ignore doing as they consider strategists should not be put into the fray. Despite his fiery temper and ill end, his leadership created one of the world’s largest single-man empire, rivaled only by the feat of Genghis Khan.
Taking a local example to be familiar with, the tale of General Gajah Mada of the Majapahit Kingdom in East Java is a prime example of great servant leadership. Gajah Mada was always known as a great conqueror, rumored to have expanded the empire as far as what is known today as Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines. However he was never the king of his empire, always listening to the whims of his lord and master King Hayam Wuruk.
Moving on to the extreme is an example found in myth and fiction. Gandalf from the Lord of the Rings (yes, my geek-ness is taking over, bear with me) is known as one of the wisest leaders and generals during the final War of the Ring, as proven in his leadership during the Battle of the Pelennor Fields (the third movie, for movie-goers). He was no king, nor was he a prince. He was merely a wizard who men would follow to their deaths, as he would do so the same for them (though he has the ability to resurrect).
Conclusively, the best leaders are those who listen, who understand the ones he or she leads and dares to march with them. A trend of such leaders is beginning to show itself in Indonesia, and simply given time, may be the salvation to this country’s leadership issue.
The Prabowo Perspective 