Preserving the Nation's Memory: A Veteran's Testimony of Bachelor of History’s Anniversary

• Posted by: Admin
• Selasa, 18 Agustus 2026
• Has been read 30 time(s)

The peak of the 62nd Anniversary commemoration of the History Department at Udayana University on Tuesday (August 18, 2026) was marked by a profound reflective moment. Through a veteran talk show moderated by I Kadek Surya Jayadi, M.A., the academic community was invited to delve directly into the collective memory of the physical revolution era alongside the chairman of the Veterans Legion of the Republic of Indonesia (LVRI) Bali, I Gusti Bagus Saputera. The 96-year-old shared his authentic testimony as a former soldier of the People's Security Army (TKR) who fought under the command of National Hero I Gusti Ngurah Rai.

Saputera recalled I Gusti Ngurah Rai as a religious, democratic, broad-minded, and unyielding leader. He testified how Ngurah Rai always made time to pray before going into battle and remained consistent between his words and actions. Straightforwardly, Saputera recited the contents of Ngurah Rai's reply letter, firmly rejecting the Dutch's invitation to negotiate, serving as historical correspondence asserting that Bali's security matters were the responsibility of the fighters, while diplomatic settlements were entirely handed over to the Republic's leaders in Java.

Beyond merely reminiscing, Saputera also utilized the forum to straighten out distorted historical narratives. Answering an academic's question regarding the rumor that Puri Pemecutan intended to assassinate Ngurah Rai during the revolution, Saputera firmly denied it. He believed such a claim was impossible and purely a colonial divide et impera (divide and conquer) tactic aimed at fragmenting the strength of the Balinese people's struggle.

As a living witness who experienced the bitterness of the colonial era, the veteran imparted a profound message to the succeeding generations packing the Dr. Ir. Soekarno Meeting Room. He urged the youth to continuously uphold the fundamental values of Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution, as well as to nurture the spirit of patriotism, solidarity, and willingness to sacrifice for the nation's advancement.

When asked about the secret to his fitness at nearly a century old, Saputera shared simple yet meaningful life principles. "Pray diligently, always be honest, and live a life that benefits society," he remarked.

The presence of I Gusti Bagus Saputera served as a valuable reminder for the Udayana University academic community. Out of approximately 25,000 independence fighters in Bali during the early days of the revolution, currently only 1,236 veterans remain under the auspices of LVRI Bali, with many of them already experiencing declining health. This further emphasizes the importance of documenting oral history so that the collective memory of the nation does not fade away with time.

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