INDONESIAN FAMOUS FIGURE: NGURAH RAI, THE GREATEST BALINESE HERO

 I Gusti Ngurah Rai, picture by: www.akucintaindonesia.net

Among other Indonesian heroes, Lieutenant Colonel I Gusti Ngurah Rai or just simply Ngurah Rai was the greatest Balinese hero who bravely fought against the colonialist to the death. Ngurai Rai was born in Carangsari Village, district of Badung, Bali in January 30^th, 1917.

The popularity of I Gusti Ngurah Rai as an Indonesian hero came from his involvement in the battle called “Puputan Margarana. He led his troops, known as Ciung Wenara, in defending the independence of his country. In this battle (Puputan Margarana) that happened in the village of Marga, Tabanan, 20 November 1946, he along with his troops fell. Now the great leadership of Ngurah Rai in the battle is always commemorated annually on 20 November by the people of Bali as a day of Puputan Margarana.

I Gusti Ngurah Rai also famous by bis saying” 
"Andaikan semua rakyat di Bali memihak NICA, biarlah saya sendiri melanjutkan perjuangan ini ( If all the people in Bali support NICA, let me myself continue this struggle)." This is one phrase that Ngurah Rai ever said as the evidence of his commitment to defend his nation.

To honor Ngurah Rai’s heroic leadership, an airport in the Island of Bali is given name after him. Welcome to Ngurah Rai International Airport, Welcome to where the greatest Balinese hero belongs to.