Forgotten hero

Forgotten hero

Indonesia's aviation world has lost one of its early pioneers
with the death of Petit Muharto on March 8, 2000. He was 81, and
he had lived through the remaining years of Dutch rule, World War
II, the struggle for independence and the nation-building years
which brought Indonesia from the young country it was to the
giant it is today.

His zest for freedom and adventure as a young man compelled
him to become a self-taught pilot at a time when almost all
Indonesians were merely awed at contraptions that allowed men to
fly.

During Indonesia's desperate fight for independence, he
piloted the republic's first Dakota-RI 002 that repeatedly broke
through a Dutch blockade of Yogyakarta where Indonesia's freedom
fighters were supposed be surrounded and confined by the Dutch.
These perilous feats carried deadly risks and demanded courage
and ingenuity. As a pilot, he flew with noted American pilots
like Bob Freeberg, Cobly and Jim Fleming. His trusty radio
operator was Pak Budiardjo.

As a high-school teacher, his students will remember him as a
teacher who taught by example. His desire for national
independence and sovereign recognition for his country inspired
them. As a fighter, he taught them also to fight for such
honorable aspirations. Many will still wonder how through the
following years he would adamantly stand by his principles and
how he sacrificed for them.

Many know now how right he was about the coming of Indonesia's
dark episode as the young nation moving along the path of
history. Alas, he was too far ahead then, and when the dreaded
momentum finally came, he was lost in the commotion. Someone else
had stolen the limelight.

Many of his friends and those who knew him will remember him
as a leader, a fighter, a pilot, a diplomat, a rebel, an
inspiration and, perhaps, a forgotten hero. One day, hopefully,
history will speak for itself. Meanwhile, from a loving son to a
great father... goodbye and safe passage on your final
everlasting flight as we stay behind and watch you go.

EKO MUHATMA KARTODIRDJO

Jakarta