Enviro News Asia, Wonogiri –The Cadet Struggle Monument in Pracimantoro, Wonogiri, Central Java, now stands proudly after its recent restoration. More than just a physical renovation, the monument serves as an eternal reminder of the sacrifice of the Yogyakarta Military Academy cadets who fell 77 years ago in the Battle of Pracimantoro.
The names of the cadets who took part in the military operation to crush the PKI-Muso/Madiun Rebellion in 1948 are now inscribed on the monument. They were also awarded the Satya Lencana Gerakan Operasi Militer-1 (GOM-1) by the state.
The restoration was initiated by the Yogyakarta Military Academy Alumni Association (IKAM-Yogya) in collaboration with the Pracimantoro Military Command (Koramil 13). IKAM-Yogya Chairperson Laksmi A. Sayidiman S. emphasized that the monument stands as a lasting commemoration of the Battle of Pracimantoro on October 4, 1948, a pivotal part of the Indonesian military’s operation to retake Madiun under President Soekarno’s orders.
“This battle is clear evidence of the courage of young cadets who were willing to give their lives for the survival of the Republic,” said Laksmi.
IKAM-Yogya Supervisory Board member Indroyono Soesilo explained that three companies of Yogya Military Academy cadets joined the Siliwangi Division at the time. One company engaged in a fierce firefight in southern Pracimantoro. Against heavily armed enemy forces, two cadets were killed: Vaandrig Cadet Hardo Sumeru and Vaandrig Cadet Anto Soegiarto, while Vaandrig Cadet Harsojo was gravely wounded but survived thanks to local villagers’ help.
Their contributions have been honored in various military institutions: Hardo Sumeru’s name was given to the physics laboratory at the Military Academy in Magelang, Anto Soegiarto’s to the electronics laboratory and a street in Pracimantoro, while Harsojo—who later rose to the rank of Major General—was immortalized in a building at the Indonesian Army’s Artillery Center.
Commander of Kodim 0728/Wonogiri, Lieutenant Colonel Infantry Edi Ristriyono, also attended the inauguration of the restored monument. He recalled how his own family was among the victims of the PKI-Muso rebellion. “This monument is not only a historical marker but also a source of inspiration for future generations to never forget the sacrifices of our heroes,” he said.
He further suggested that the Pracimantoro monument be included in the Military Academy curriculum, ensuring that the values of cadet heroism are continuously passed on.
With its restoration complete, the Pracimantoro Cadet Struggle Monument now serves as a collective space for the nation to remember, honor, and emulate the courage of young fighters. As Bung Karno once said: “A great nation is one that respects the services of its heroes.” (*)
