Sintong Panjaitan, perjalanan seorang prajurit para komando

The book is praised for shedding light on previously untold aspects of the Indonesian Armed Forces and significant historical events. It extensively covers General Sintong Panjaitan's nearly three-decade military career, highlighting his almost flawless achievements in high-risk assignments and his rise as a respected professional soldier. Readers appreciate the book for offering a unique perspective from a Special Forces officer, detailing various successful operations, including a notable hostage rescue, and providing insights into military procedures and political contexts. Many found it a valuable source for understanding the facts behind critical national events, such as the May 1998 riots and the Santa Cruz incident, and for revealing the dynamics within the Indonesian military.

Despite its valuable content, the book is widely criticized for significant editorial shortcomings, including numerous typos and grammatical errors, which are considered particularly disappointing for a Kompas publisher title. Reviewers noted issues with the writing style, describing it as somewhat strange or inconsistent, possibly due to the author's background as a photojournalist rather than a writer. Structural problems are also highlighted, such as a non-chronological chapter arrangement that doesn't consistently follow the subject's career, and frequent repetitions of information, sometimes extending to entire paragraphs. Some reviewers felt the book was rushed to publication, potentially for political reasons related to an upcoming election, and perceived it as overly critical of certain political figures or as a form of self-defense.

Overall, this book offers a compelling narrative of a prominent military figure's journey and provides crucial insights into a significant period of Indonesian history. While its valuable content and the untold stories it presents are highly commended, prospective readers should be prepared for noticeable editing flaws and structural inconsistencies that may detract from the reading experience. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in Indonesian military history, the inner workings of its Special Forces, and those seeking a deeper understanding of major national events from a direct participant's perspective, especially if they can look past its technical imperfections.