On Friday, September 19, 2025, the Department of History at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) welcomed a visit from Colonel Caj. Dr. Kusuma, M.Si., an alumnus of UGM’s undergraduate History program (class of 1992), who currently serves as a lecturer and Head of the Master’s Program in Disaster Management at the Faculty of National Security, Universitas Pertahanan. On this occasion, he delivered a guest lecture on “New Perspectives in Writing Military History Narratives” to undergraduate History students enrolled in the course Fundamentals of Historical Theory and Methodology.
In his lecture, Dr. Kusuma emphasized the importance of military history as a growing field within Indonesian historiography, one that requires rigorous academic methods and approaches. He also shared insights and personal experiences on the value of interpreting, analyzing, and writing about social realities—skills that have been integral to his responsibilities as a military officer. He highlighted patience and precision in decision-making as essential qualities, noting that these were cultivated during his undergraduate studies at UGM and have guided him throughout his professional career.
The session was conducted interactively, with students actively engaging in questions and discussions related to the material. At the conclusion of the lecture, Dr. Kusuma reminded students that historical studies and graduates in the field of history play a vital role in military careers. Strategic operations, policy-making, and decision-making processes often rely on historical approaches to analyze complex issues. He encouraged students interested in pursuing careers as military historians to begin preparing early—not only academically, but also physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Author: Mochamad Rizky Saputra
