Jamin Ginting

Lieutenant General Djamin Ginting (12 January 1921 – 23 October 1974), was an Indonesian military officer and independence fighter from Tanah Karo. He was appointed a National Hero of Indonesia by President Joko Widodo on 7 November 2014.

Early life Djamin Ginting was born in the village of Suka, Tigapanah, Karo Regency. After completing high school he joined PETA, a military unit organized by Japanese officers. Djamin Ginting gained the rank of Commander.

Military career Japanese plans to use local troops to strengthen Japanese forces collapsed after Japan surrendered to the Allies in World War II. Japan abandoned their territory in Asia and withdrew back to Japan. As a commander, Djamin Ginting moved quickly to consolidate his forces, convincing his members not to return to their respective villages and pleaded for their willingness to defend and protect the Karo people from Dutch and British forces who wanted to reassert control over Sumatra.

During a rebellion under Major Boyke Nainggolanan, loyal to the PRRI movement at Medan, North Sumatra, Djamin Ginting launched Operation Bukit Barisan, on 7 April 1958. Forcing, troops under Mayor Boyke Nainggolan and Captain Sinta Pohan to retreat to Tapanuli. When Colonel Simbolon joined the PRRI, Djamin Ginting was promoted to commander of Kodam I/Bukit Barisan.