Enviro News Asia, Cilacap — Cadets from Indonesian military and police academies visited the Soesilo Soedarman Museum during the Eid holiday period in 2026 to broaden their knowledge and learn from the legacy of a prominent national figure.
The visit involved cadets from regions including Cilacap, Purwokerto, Purbalingga, Kebumen, Banjarnegara, and Banyumas, who are currently studying at Indonesian Police Academy, Indonesian Military Academy, Indonesian Naval Academy, and Indonesian Air Force Academy.
Located in Gentasari Village, Cilacap, the museum is the only one of its kind in the region and is housed in a historic building constructed in 1899, which served as the childhood residence of Soesilo Soedarman. The museum preserves documents and memorabilia reflecting his decades of service to the nation.
Cadets explored exhibits detailing Soesilo Soedarman’s early military education at the Military Academy in Yogyakarta, established in 1945, where he trained while actively participating in key historical events, including the Indonesian War of Independence and the suppression of the 1948 Madiun uprising.
After being commissioned as an officer by Soekarno in 1948, Soesilo Soedarman joined the Indonesian Army’s Cavalry Corps and later pursued advanced military education abroad. He contributed to the modernization of Indonesia’s cavalry forces and held various strategic positions, including Defense Attaché, military commander, ambassador to the United States, Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications, and Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs.
The museum features both indoor and outdoor collections, including military equipment such as tanks, armored vehicles, artillery, aircraft, and naval weaponry. Inside, visitors can examine historical documents and artifacts illustrating Soesilo Soedarman’s service and contributions.
The visit also provided cadets with insights into the development of Indonesia’s military education institutions, including the establishment of the Armed Forces Academy (AKABRI) in 1966, in which Soesilo Soedarman played a role.
Through this educational visit, cadets gained a deeper understanding of military history, institutional development, and the values of service and dedication embodied by one of Indonesia’s senior military figures. (*)
