Solihin GP, ​​Republican Figure from Tatar Sunda, Dies at the Age of 97

Solihin GP is a figure from Sundanese Tatar origin who serves the country in the military, food and environmental sectors.

The following article was translated using both Microsoft Azure Open AI and Google Translation AI. The original article can be found in Solihin GP, Tokoh Republik dari Tatar Sunda, Berpulang dalam Usia 97 Tahun

KOMPAS/MACHRADIN WAHYUDI RITONGA

Ma'ruf Amin received a souvenir in the form of a traditional Kujang weapon from Sundanese figure, Solihin GP, during a gathering with Sundanese community figures in Bandung, West Java on Saturday (1/19/2019). This gift is intended to signify Ma'ruf Amin as an elder statesman of the Sundanese community.

BANDUNG, KOMPAS — West Java figure, Lieutenant General (Ret.) Solihin Gautama Purwanegara or known as Solihin GP, died on Tuesday (5/3/2024) aged 97 years. This retired military man has fought for the Republic, starting from Commander of the Bogor Regency People's Security Army to Governor of West Java for the 1970-1975 period.

Acting Mayor of Bandung Bambang Tirtoyuliono expressed his condolences for the passing of one of these Sundanese figures. Solihin died while being treated at the Adventist Hospital, Bandung City, at around 03.09. There is no further information regarding the illness suffered by the deceased.

"On behalf of myself and the Government of Bandung City, I express my condolences. May the deceased be accepted in the sight of Allah. May his family be given strength and perseverance," he said in a written statement in Bandung on Tuesday morning.

Also read: President Jenguk Solihin GP

Before being buried, according to Bambang, the deceased will be taken to the family's mourning house on Jalan Cisitu Indah, Kota Bandung. Residents who wish to pay their respects can also attend the Kodam III/Siliwangi Headquarters on Jalan Sumbawa between 09:30-12:30. The deceased will be buried at the Cikutra Heroes Cemetery around 13:30 on the same day.

KOMPAS/ SAMUEL OKTORA

Coordinator Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan (third from left) held a dialogue with several community organizations at the residence of respected figure in West Java, Solihin GP, on Wednesday (30/1/2019).

Solihin GP is a figure who was born in Tasikmalaya on July 21, 1926. He began his military career during the revolution as a Commander of the People's Security Army in Bogor Regency, then joined the Siliwangi Division.

Solihin GP also served as the Governor of West Java during the period of 1970-1975. He strongly opposed gambling practices and supported the welfare of farmers at the time. He was angered by the actions of usurers and land leeches that harmed farmers.

Due to his various achievements, Solihin was trusted by President Suharto to serve as the Secretary of Operational Control for Development (Sesdalopbang) during the period of 1977-1992. His role was similar to that of the President's Staff Office during Joko Widodo's era or the Presidential Work Unit for Development Monitoring and Control during Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s reign.

One of the phenomenal achievements when it comes to overcoming the food crisis in Indramayu by popularizing a rice variety called Gogo Rancah. After that, this method was implemented to increase agricultural yields in various regions across Indonesia.

In addition to being known as a leader who once built West Java, Solihin GP is also a fighter in building sustainability in the Land of Pasundan. He founded the Council of Forestry and Environmental Observers of the Sundanese Region (DPKLTS) which is active in safeguarding the environment in West Java in accordance with the wisdom of our ancestors and Sundanese culture. In his twilight years, Solihin is very vocal in responding to pollution that occurs along the Citarum River, the longest river in West Java.

KOMPAS/PAT HENDRANTO

President Soeharto and Mrs. Tien Soeharto heading to the polling station during the 1971 election on July 5, 1971. The couple walked towards the polling station on Jalan Cendana on Monday. The photo also featured Eddie Nalapraya (on the left of Mrs. Tien) and Solihin GP (behind President Soeharto).

Condolences were also conveyed by Supardiyono Sobirin, an environmental figure from DPKLTS. He learned a lot from various messages conveyed by Solihin GP while working together as environmental observers and being under the same organizational umbrella.

Solihin GP also served as Governor of West Java from 1970-1975. The late Solihin was also instrumental in tackling the food crisis in Indramayu by popularizing a type of rice known as Gogo Rancah.

For Sobirin, Solihin GP is an excellent Indonesian individual. He hopes that the values held dearly by the late individual will still be present in the next generation.

“All of his struggles and life’s dedication were only aimed at the welfare of his people. It is only fitting that West Java produces young generations as great as Mang Ihin (Solihin GP),” he said.

Also read: Solihin GP's Message to the President