By: Prabowo Subianto [taken from the Book: Military Leadership Notes from Experience Chapter I]
Abdulrachman Saleh was known for being actively involved in the field of education and various organisations.
As a student, he was active in aero sports associations and obtained a flying license.
After completing his education, he joined the Air Force. He was appointed as the Madiun Air Base Commander in 1946. He also co-founded the Aviation Engineering School and Aviation Radio School in Malang.
Abdulrachman Saleh was known to have been active in the field of education and various organisations. As a student, he was a member of aero sports associations. Later, he obtained a flying license. After completing his education, he joined the Air Force. He was appointed as Commander of the Madiun airbase in 1946. He also co-founded Aviation Engineering School and Aviation Radio School in Malang.
As an Air Force officer, he did not forget his profession as a doctor. He continued to give lectures at the Doctor’s College in Klaten, Central Java.
When the Dutch launched their first aggression, Adisoetjipto and Abdulrachman Saleh were ordered to fly to India. On their way back, they made a stopover in Singapore to pick up medical aids from the Malaya Red Cross. The domestic and foreign media widely covered their departure on the Dakota plane.
On July 29, 1947, when the plane planned to return to Yogyakarta via Singapore, the Malayan Times reported that the Dakota VT-CLA flight had obtained permission from the British and Dutch authorities. While flying to its final destination, the plane was shot down by two Dutch P-40 Kitty- Hawk aircraft from the north. It struck a tree, broke in half and burst into flames.
The Air Force has commemorated this act of heroism as Air Force service day since 1962. On August 17, 1952, the Maguwo Air Force base (LANUD) was renamed Adisoetjipto airport.
