Yos Sudarso had always wanted to be a soldier since he was a child, despite his parents preferring him to become a teacher. His dream came true when the Japanese government needed more military personnel during the Greater East Asia War.
He attended the Naval Academy in Semarang and received naval military training with the Japanese Navy, graduating as one of the top students. He then served on a Japanese military ship.
After Indonesia declared independence on August 17, 1945, he joined the People’s Security Agency in the marine sector (BKR Laut), which later became part of the Indonesian Navy.
Throughout his career, Yos Sudarso participated in various military operations to suppress insurgencies in Indonesia. He commanded several Indonesian Navy Ships (KRI) such as KRI Rajawali, KRI Alu, KRI Gajah Mada, KRI Pattimura, and KRI Macan Tutul. He also served as a military court judge for four months in 1958.
In late 1961, President Sukarno initiated the Tri Komando Rakyat (TRIKORA), which included an operation in the Aru Sea near Maluku to support the liberation of West Papua from the Dutch. Yos Sudarso, then the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (KSAL), led three KRIs in the covert operation in Maluku waters, including KRI Macan Tutul.
Despite three Dutch warships detecting their movements, Yos Sudarso ordered a temporary retreat for the KRIs. However, the Dutch misinterpreted the maneuver as an attack and opened fire. The engine of KRI Macan Tutul, led by Yos Sudarso, suddenly failed during the rescue attempt. Yos Sudarso made the quick decision to sacrifice his ship to save the other two KRIs. The Dutch warship fired a second shot, hitting and sinking KRI Macan Tutul while Yos Sudarso and 24 other men perished in the Battle of the Aru Sea.
Yos Sudarso, at the age of 36, gave his life in service of his country, exemplifying bravery and sacrifice in the line of duty.
