A solemn and honorable atmosphere enveloped the book launch of “Pengabdian dari Masa ke Masa” held this morning at Menara Kompas, 7th floor, Jakarta. This book is the work of a senior figure and retired three-star General of the Indonesian Air Force, Prof. Dr. Ir. Ginanjar Kartasasmita, M.Sc. The launch felt special as it coincided with a double moment full of meaning, the birthday of Ginanjar Kartasasmita, which also falls on the same day as the birthday of the Indonesian Air Force. This alignment of moments provided a profound symbolic nuance, considering that Ginanjar Kartasasmita is a retired senior Air Force officer who spent most of his career serving in the civilian realm yet never lost his identity as an airman. Several prominent figures attended the event, including former ministers from the Soeharto era, reflecting the high esteem for Ginanjar Kartasasmita’s life journey and career.
The book, compiled by the Kompas team under the coordination of Suhartono and published by Penerbit Buku Kompas, comprehensively narrates Ginanjar’s long journey of service. Despite his background as a retired Air Force senior officer, Ginanjar is better known for his roles in the civilian sphere, including at Bappenas and various ministerial positions in the Development Cabinets of the Soeharto era. His ideas and thoughts are considered rich and made significant contributions to the dynamics of national development at that time. I myself have attended several lectures and public talks delivered by Ginanjar Kartasasmita, including when I was at the Air Force Staff and Command School (Seskoau) in the 1980s. One of the topics he presented was on leadership, which was very engaging and truly reflected the breadth of his insight. I was also deeply impressed that he paid such great attention to education, something I consider fundamental in the process of nation-building. I experienced this firsthand when interacting with him while serving as Governor of the Air Force Academy (AAU) and Commander General of the Indonesian Armed Forces Academy.
Furthermore, I see a meaningful reality in which the day of this book launch coincides with his birthday and that of the Indonesian Air Force. For me, this serves as a reminder that a soldier’s service does not always have to be on the front lines of military duty. Service can also be realized through ideas, policies, and great works that make tangible contributions to the nation and state. I also see many success stories throughout his career, well documented in this book, ranging from his strategic roles in government to his consistent contributions in education and national development. The warm and intimate book launch event concluded with a discussion session featuring two prominent speakers, Sofyan Jalil and Rachmat Pambudy. The discussion not only closed the ceremony but also served as a reflective space that enriched the attendees’ understanding of Ginanjar Kartasasmita’s thoughts, experiences, and intellectual legacy throughout his long career amid the dynamics of national development.
With the publication of “Pengabdian dari Masa ke Masa,” launched on this special day, there is a great hope that future generations will emulate the spirit of service and tangible contributions he has made to the Indonesian nation. This moment also serves as a reminder of the services of the Air Force, which always stands guard to protect the nation’s sovereignty in airspace, a strategic, intangible dimension that is crucial to a nation’s existence. Furthermore, this book is not merely a record of a figure’s journey but also a mirror of the dynamics of national leadership rich in values, principles, and steadfastness in facing various challenges of the times. Within it, we see how vision, courage in decision-making, and commitment to the nation’s interests serve as the main foundation in every step of service. This book launch becomes more than just a literary event. It transforms into a space for collective contemplation, inviting us all to reflect again on the meaning of service in a broader sense. That building a nation is achieved not only through physical and military strength but also through ideas, integrity, and intellectual works that transcend generational boundaries. This book, “Pengabdian dari Masa ke Masa,” deserves to be required reading for present and future leaders, especially those in bureaucracy, the military, and academia. Amid the tendency of leadership that often gets trapped in short-term interests and political pragmatism, this work reminds us that the essence of true leadership is consistently siding with the nation’s interests. Ginanjar Kartasasmita demonstrates that a leader does not always have to be in the public spotlight to make a significant impact. Sometimes, the best legacy is the ideas and systems one leaves behind, something quiet but works tirelessly for the collective progress.
Congratulations , Happy Birthday and success to Mr. Ginanjar on his book launch.
Jakarta, April 9, 2026
Chappy Hakim – Founder & Chairman of Indonesia Center for Air Power Studies.
