M. Sarbini

Mas Sarbini Martodihardjo was a General Purnawirawan.

Early life He was born in Indrosari Indonesia.

Military career He served during the struggle both in the military and government of the Republic of Indonesia. On 20 October 1945, as a Lieutenant-Colonel, he led the forces of the People's Security Army (TKR) of the Central Kedu Regiment and surrounded the Allied and NICA armies in Jambu, Ambarawa which later became known as the Battle of Ambarawa.

During the reign of Sukarno, as a Major General Sarbini served as Minister of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia in the Dwikora II cabinet in 1966. He was later replaced by Army Lieutenant General Suharto.

His military career began from an option education PETA (Chudanco) in Bogor. He finished his education in 1942 and in 1945 was appointed as Chudanco Saidan II PETA in Gombong, Kebumen. After Japan lost in World War II and PETA disbanded, Sarbini returned to his hometown where he formed the People's Security Barrier (BKR) Kebumen branch and served as chairman in September 1945. Shortly thereafter, he was appointed Commander of the Kedu I Regiment of the TKR II Division stationed in Magelang with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. When Madiun Affair happened, he was diligent in cleaning up the remnants of the TDR (PKI). When Politionele acties happen, as Commander of STC WK II, he led the guerrilla in the area of Magelang to Banyumas.

Family He married on August 24, 1944, to Salami daughter of R. Sastrowihardjo in Kutoarjo, Purworejo.

Department History Commander of Kedu Regiment I Division II TKR based in Magelang Commander of STC Division III Diponegoro in Magelang (1945) Commander STC/WK II (1945) XI Brigade Commander of IV Diponegoro Division in Pekalongan (1949–1950) R Brigade Commander in Pati (1950) Brigade Commander O Mangkubumi/XIII Regiment IV Diponegoro Division (1951) Minister of Veterans Affairs and Demobilization (1964)

Legacy Sarbini was widely known as the father of Indonesian veterans and the Veteran building in Semanggi, Central Jakarta is named for him. In memory of his services, the SMK General M. Sarbini school was eastablshed in his birthplace.

Sarbini died on 21 August 1977 and was buried in the Main National Hero Cemetery Park of Kalibata.