President Prabowo Inaugurates New Seskoad Museum and Library

President Prabowo Subianto officially inaugurated the newly renovated Museum and Library of the Army Command and General Staff College (Seskoad) in Bandung, West Java, on Monday, May 25, 2026. This significant event underscores the institution’s enduring role in shaping Indonesia’s military and national leadership.

Marking the occasion with profound reverence, President Prabowo commenced the ceremony by uttering “Bismillahirrahmanirrahim” (In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful). In a statement released by the Presidential Secretariat’s Bureau of Press, Media, and Information (BPMI Setpres), Prabowo declared, “With the utterance of Bismillahirrahmanirrahim, on this morning, Monday, May 25, 2026, I, Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia, hereby inaugurate the renovation of the Museum and Library of the Army Command and General Staff College (Seskoad).”

Seskoad boasts a distinguished legacy, having cultivated numerous graduates who ascended to become influential leaders of the Indonesian nation. Notably, Indonesia’s 2nd President, Soeharto, and 6th President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, are both esteemed alumni of Seskoad. Current President Prabowo Subianto also counts himself among its illustrious graduates, highlighting the institution’s profound impact on the country’s highest office.

Beyond the presidency, Seskoad has also prepared individuals for the role of Vice President. Three other prominent alumni were entrusted with the mandate to serve as Vice Presidents of the Republic of Indonesia: the 4th Vice President, Umar Wirahadikusumah; the 5th Vice President, Sudharmono; and the 6th Vice President, Try Sutrisno. This further cements Seskoad’s position as a crucible for future national leadership.

Colonel Arhanud Desi Ariyanto, Head of the Department of Struggle and Doctrine at Seskoad, elucidated the profound importance of the renovated museum. He explained that it serves as a critical learning environment for officers, enabling them to gain a deep understanding of the nation’s historical struggles and the principles of effective leadership, which are indispensable for military command.

“The primary objective of establishing this museum was to create a venue for exploring all facets of history,” Desi Ariyanto articulated. He stressed that “as military personnel, we must comprehend the history of warfare and military strategy, and within that military history, leadership is an intrinsic and crucial element.” This emphasis ensures that future officers are well-versed in both tactical knowledge and the historical context of command.

Complementing the museum’s historical focus, Seskoad also houses an expansive library, a veritable intellectual hub containing an impressive collection of 42,000 books. This extensive resource supports the rigorous academic curriculum undertaken by its students.

Each year, approximately 500 students, including a contingent of 30 international officers, undertake their demanding education at Seskoad. “They study here,” Colonel Ariyanto further elaborated, outlining their comprehensive development. “On the first floor, in the museum, they delve into history. On the second floor, they engage in activities to cultivate their capabilities, skills, and critically, their intellectual prowess, encompassing not only military science but also the vital principles of public administration.”