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Jakarta (ANTARA News) – Lieutenant General Djamin Gintings is one of the proud freedom fighters of the people of North Sumatra who received the title of National Hero in 2014, awarded by President Joko Widodo on behalf of the government and of the Indonesian people.

Djamin Gintings was born on January 12, 1921. He played an important role during the eradication of the DI/TII rebellion in Aceh and also during critical periods in Sumatra during the PRRI/Permesta in the 1950s.

Quoted in the book on the winner of the title of National Hero 2014 published by the Ministry of Social Affairs, Djamin Gintings began his military career by participating in the training of future Giyugun officers in Siborong-borong. He then became a special platoon commander in Sumatra Giyugun Blangkejeren and recruited young people in the Gayo region.

After the proclamation of independence in 1945, Djamin then joined the People's Security Agency (BKR) in Kabanjahe, North Sumatra. With his troops, Djamin then disarmed the Japanese troops at Berastagi.

When the Battle of Medan Region took place, he was one of the Indonesian army commanders involved in one of the major post-independence battles in Indonesia. British troops left Medan and the entire Indonesian region in 1946.

The first Dutch military aggression in July 1947 forced Djamin to lead troops against the Dutch in the Tanah Karo mandala in the areas of Sibolangit, Pancubatu, Tuntungan, Brand and Saribudolok.

He also accompanied Vice President Mohammad Hatta's trip from Berastagi to Bukittinggi. Throughout 1947 until the recognition of Indonesian sovereignty by the Dutch on December 27, 1949, Djamin was involved in dozens of battles against the Dutch as one of the embodiments of Commander-in-Chief Sudirman's orders.

After the recognition of sovereignty, Djamin was then appointed as the first commander of the Base Command or Medan City Base Command (KBKM) which later became the Medan City Military Command.

In 1954, as commander of the 2nd East Sumatra Infantry Regiment, he participated in the suppression of the DI/TII rebellion in Aceh led by Tengku Daud Beureueuh. In 1956, he then became chief of staff of the army and the Bukit Barisan Territory (TT). Djamin also succeeded in crushing the communist-influenced Village Defense Organization (OPD) on October 31, 1956.

A critical period in Sumatra occurred in December 1956 when the commander of TT 1 Bukit Barisan, Colonel Maludin Simbolon, formed the Elephant Council and declared a breakdown in relations with the central government.

Djamin Gintings as Chief of Staff of TT 1 Bukit Barisan opposed his superior's decision and showed his loyalty to the government of the Republic of Indonesia. He then made his command area a base of operations for government troops attacking the PRRI in Sumatra.

In 1966, Djamin Gintings began serving in a number of non-military positions, including Secretary to the President/Chief of Staff and concurrently Deputy Secretary of State.

In 1968, President Soeharto appointed him as a member of the DPRGR and MPRS representing Exhibitor 45.

Before his death in 1974, the government appointed Djamin Gintings as Ambassador Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia to Canada. He died in Ottawa, Canada, while serving as ambassador.

Before being awarded the title of National Hero which was received directly by Djamin Gintings' wife, Likas Boru Tarigan, the warrior figure had received the Kartika Eka Paksi Pratama Star, the Dharma Star and the Mahaputera Star Utama.
(P008)