View source for KOPASKA

{{short description|Indonesian Navy special operations and demolition unit }}
{{EngvarB|date=November 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2015}}

{{More citations needed|date=October 2007}}{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name                     = Frogman Forces Command
| native_name                   = {{lang|id|Komando Pasukan Katak}}
| image                         = Puskopaska.svg
| image_size                    = 
| caption                       = 
| dates                         = 31 March 1962 – present
| country                       = {{flag|Indonesia}}
| branch                        = {{flagicon image|Insignia of the Indonesian Navy.svg|size=25px|border=}} [[Indonesian Navy]] ('''TNI-AL''')
| command_structure             = {{flagicon image|Komando Armada RI.jpg|size=25px|border=}} [[Indonesian Fleet Command]]
| type                          = [[Special Forces|Naval Special Forces]]
| role                          = *Sea and Underwater Special Operations
| size                          = Classified
| current_commander             = 
| garrison                      = *1st Indonesia Fleet Naval Base ({{lang|id|'''KOARMADA I'''}}): Pondok Dayung, [[Tanjung Priok]] [[Jakarta]] 
*2nd Indonesia Fleet Naval Base ({{lang|id|'''KOARMADA II'''}}): Ujung, [[Surabaya]]
*3rd Indonesia Fleet Naval Base ({{lang|id|'''KOARMADA III'''}}): [[Sorong (city)|Sorong]]
| ceremonial_chief              = 
| ceremonial_chief_label        = 
| colonel_of_the_regiment       = 
| nickname                      = {{lang|id|Hantu Laut}} (Ghost of the Sea)
| motto                         = {{IAST|Tan Hana Wighna Tan Sirna}}<br>("There is no obstacles that cannot be defeated")
| colours                       = Maroon berets, previously dark blue
| march                         = 
| mascot                        = Green Flying Frog
| battles                       = Western New Guinea (Papua) - 1950s
*[[Operation Trikora]]
*[[Papua conflict]]
*[[Indonesian invasion of East Timor|East Timor military campaign (Operation Seroja) 1975]]
*[[Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation]]
*[[Insurgency in Aceh]]
| notable_commanders            = 
| anniversaries                 = 31 March
}}
The '''Kopaska''' ({{langx|id|Komando Pasukan Katak||Frogman Forces Command}}) is the premier [[frogman]] and [[Underwater demolition|underwater demolition unit]] of the [[Indonesian Navy]]. The unit's motto is {{IAST|Tan Hana Wighna Tan Sirna}} ([[Sanskrit]] for "There is no obstacle that cannot be defeated").  The unit's main duties are underwater demolition (raiding enemy ships and bases), destroying main underwater installations, [[reconnaissance]], prisoner snatches, preparing beaches for larger naval amphibious operations, and [[counter-terrorism]].<ref name=":0">{{cite web |last=Sembiring |first=Krina |date=2022-07-11 |title=Mengenal Kopaska, Pasukan Elite TNI-AL yang Harus Melewati Ujian Neraka |trans-title=Knowing Kopaska, TNI-AL Elite Forces Who Underwent Hellish Training |url=https://nasional.sindonews.com/read/822933/14/mengenal-kopaska-pasukan-elite-tni-al-yang-harus-melewati-ujian-neraka-1657490874 |access-date=2024-05-26 |website=Sindonews |language=id}}</ref> During peacetime, the unit also deploys a team to serve as security personnel for [[Very Important Person (person)|VIPs and VVIPs]].<ref name=":0" />

The personnel of Kopaska are recruited from Indonesian Navy seamen. Like other Indonesian special forces, Kopaska is trained to be able to conduct operations in the sea, including underwater, on land and airborne.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hobbymiliter.com/5152/profil-kopaska-tni-al-pasukan-katak-andalan-indonesia/|title=Profil Kopaska TNI AL, Pasukan Katak Andalan Indonesia|last=Purbakusuma|first=Hanung Jati|date=15 January 2020|website=HobbyMiliter.com|access-date=31 January 2020}}</ref>

==History==
Kopaska was heavily influenced by the early US Navy Frogman [[Underwater Demolition Team]]s (UDTs) and modern [[Navy SEAL]] Teams.

Kopaska was officially established on 31 March 1962 by President [[Sukarno]] to help his campaign [[Operation Trikora]] in [[Western New Guinea]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://militer.id/komando-pasukan-katak/ |title=komando pasukan katak |publisher=militer.id |date=24 May 2017 |access-date=12 January 2018}}</ref> However, in 1954, Captain (Navy) [[:id:R. Iskak|Iskak]] had an idea to form a frogman unit in the Navy which eventually act as precursor to Kopaska.

Early Kopaska members Captain (Navy) Urip Santoso, Lieutenant (Navy) Joko Suyatno, and PO1C EMP Joseph trained with the UDTs in the United States. The Indonesian Navy also sent personnel to the Soviet Union to learn from [[Russian commando frogmen|Soviet Navy frogmen and demolition teams]]. The tradition of overseas training has continued with a few men from the unit travelling each year to [[Coronado, California]], and [[Norfolk, Virginia]], to participate in SEAL training. Returning to Indonesia, these men then recruit new personnel for Kopaska.

Recruitment was difficult in the early years of Kopaska as only a few navy members could pass the qualification process. Recruitment became even more difficult when President Sukarno announced in 1961 the commencement of [[Operation Trikora]] in Western New Guinea (then the [[Netherlands New Guinea]]), as Kopaska were required to conduct beach reconnaissance, beach clearing, prisoner snatches, and [[human torpedo]] missions. The latter two missions were the most daring planned by Kopaska – the first planned to snatch Rear Admiral Reeser, Commander-in-Chief of the Dutch Armed Forces in the Territory, and the human torpedo was aimed at Dutch aircraft carrier ''[[HNLMS Karel Doorman (R81)|Karel Doorman]]''. Due to a lack of personnel, Kopaska had to borrow 21 troops from the [[Kopassus|army special forces]], which at that time was still called RPKAD - ''Army Paracommando Regiment'', including Colonel [[Sarwo Edhie Wibowo]], the then-regimental commander, and three from the [[Kodam Jayakarta|Greater Jakarta Military Region Command]] (Kodam Jaya, now known as Kodam Jayakarta). The plans were cancelled when a ceasefire was implemented between Indonesia and the Netherlands.

Of the troops assigned to the Trikora campaign, the three Army personnel from Kodam Jaya (Maksum, Alex Sunaryo, and Budi Suroyo) attended Seaman School in the Naval Education and Training Command (Kodikal) and became regular members of Kopaska. 18 of 21 RPKAD wanted to stay with the Navy, but the Commander of RPKAD (Major General Mung Pahardimulyo) did not approve the transfers. Instead, he accommodated the ex-KOPASKA members by creating a new special unit in [[Kopassus]] SAT GULTOR 81-2 Batt.

Until the present, Kopaska trained their specialities to other Indonesian Special Forces units:

# [[Indonesian Army|Army]] [[Kopassus]] counter-terrorist [[combat diver]]s, now known as Paska GULTOR.
# [[Kostrad|Army Strategic Command Reconnaissance Platoon]] and counter-terrorist team, the Tontaipur.
# [[Indonesian Air Force|Air Force]] [[Satgas Atbara|Satuan Bravo 90]] counter-terrorist team.

Both [[Kopassus|SAT-81 GULTOR]] and [[Detasemen Bravo|DENBRAVO-90]] continues to send its best members for three months of training in Frogmen School ({{lang|id|Sepaskal}}) at the Special Training Centre ({{lang|id|Pusdiksus}}), Naval Warfare Centre ({{lang|id|Pusdikopsla}}), Naval Education and Training Command ({{lang|id|Kodikal}}) located in Naval Base Moro Krembangan in [[Surabaya]], East Java.

==Organization==
[[File:Kopaska HUT TNI-73.jpg|thumb|200px|A Kopaska operator]]
#1st Fleet Frogman Command Unit ({{lang|id|Satkopaska Koarmada 1}})
##Command HQ
##Detachment 1 Sabotage / Anti-Sabotage (Terror)
##Detachment 2 of Special Operations
##Detachment 3 Combat SAR
##Detachment 4 EOD and [[Naval mine|Naval Minesweeping]]
##Detachment 5 Underwater Demolition
##Detachment 6 Special Boat Units
#2nd Fleet Frogman Command Unit ({{lang|id|Satkopaska Koarmada 2}})
## Command HQ
##Detachment 1 Sabotage / Anti-Sabotage (Terror)
##Detachment 2 of Special Operations
##Detachment 3 Combat SAR
##Detachment 4 EOD and [[Naval mine|Naval Minesweeping]]
##Detachment 5 Underwater Demolition
##Detachment 6 Special Boat Units
#3rd Fleet Frogman Command Unit ({{lang|id|Satkopaska Koarmada 3}})
## Command HQ
##Detachment 1 Sabotage / Anti Sabotage (Terror)
##Detachment 2 of special Operations
##Detachment 3 Combat SAR
##Detachment 4 EOD and [[Naval Mine]]sweeping
##Detachment 5 Underwater Demolition
##Detachment 6 Special Boat Units

==Recruitment==
The recruitment process for becoming a Kopaska frogmen is similar to that of the US Navy SEALs. The criteria are:
*An [[Indonesian Navy]] personnel 
*Has served minimum 2 years in a Navy warship/Navy base/Navy fleet command/Navy Headquarters/Military Sealift command
*Passed Physical fitness qualification
*Passed water endurance 
*Passed special psychological test 
*Passed special underwater fitness

The initial recruitment process takes place annually at all Indonesian naval bases, so location is not a concern. Candidates who fulfill the initial criteria are then brought to the Kopaska Training Center to participate in the selection process. Of the 300-1500 candidates, only 36 to 20 actually complete the initial selection process. Those who pass the initial selection then receive advanced training at the Kopaska training center. Those who pass the advanced training then graduate to become a member of the Kopaska Unit. Only 0-20 personnel per year graduate to become a full member of Kopaska.

===Education===
[[File:24 kopaska 3.jpg|thumb|250px|Kopaska during [[Jungle warfare]]]]
*General navy academic courses, such as: Sea Operations, Navigation, Machinery, Electronics, Ships construction, Communication, etc.   
*Kopaska indoctrination ([[frogman]] doctrine, [[Underwater diving|basic diving]], [[combat diving]], combat swimming, [[cartography]], shooting different types of weapons, driving and handling ships and speed boats) 
*Commando education ([[Jungle warfare]], [[jungle survival]], etc.)
*[[Airborne forces|Airborne]]
*[[Clandestine operation|Clandestine]]
*[[Underwater demolition]]
*[[Combat search and rescue]]

==Training==
[[File:U.S. Sailors with Riverine Squadron 1 participate in tactical combat casualty care training with Indonesian navy Kopaska commandos.jpg|thumb|250px|Kopaska and US Navy SEAL]]
The training process lasts ten months, divided into four continual training phases: physical endurance/physical training, basic underwater training, [[commando]] training, and parachute (Airborne) training. The training lasts with a phase called the "Hell Week" where Kopaska trainees are ''beasted'' and are forced to undergo brutal special forces training until exceeding average human resilience. This applies to all ranks applying to join the Kopaska unit.

Each phase of training consists of a similar process. For example, the first phase of training is physical or endurance training. Each candidate receives a daily physical training program, such as: [[running]], [[marching]], [[push-up]]s, [[sit up]]s, [[Pull-up (exercise)|pull-up]]s, [[swimming]], etc. The training programs are unscheduled, so the instructor can order physical training at random. The last week of this training each candidate must be able to demonstrate strength through trials such as cross-[[Strait]] [[swimming]] and [[rowing]] to [[Laki Island]] at night with little food or sleep. This training usually exploits the candidate's physical and psychological strength.

The remaining training phases include combat swimming, infiltration through submarine torpedo tube, long range combat patrol, close quarter battle, infiltration using CRRC or RIB, intelligence course, parachute training (including combat free-fall, static line, and [[High-altitude military parachuting|HAHO/HALO]]), pathfinder, trap making and survival techniques.

==Joint Exercise==
[[File:Members of the Indonesian special forces unit Kopaska simulate seizing a room.jpg|thumb|250px|Kopaska frogmen simulate seizing a room in a Naval warship during training with the US Navy]]
Kopaska has conducted several joint exercises with other elite naval forces from other countries.
*FLASH IRON with [[US Navy SEALs]] and [[United States Navy Riverine Squadron]];<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tni.mil.id/view-73847-kopaska-tni-al-dan-us-navy-seal-gelar-flash-iron-15-5524.html |title=FLASH IRON |publisher=tni.mil.id |date=19 March 2015 |access-date=12 January 2018}}</ref>
*[[Joint Combined Exchange Training]] (JCET) with [[United States Naval Special Warfare Command|U.S. Naval Special Warfare]];<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-27 |title=Indonesian Navy's KOPASKA, US Navy SEALs Amplify Operational Capabilities |url=https://www.dvidshub.net/video/901986/indonesian-navys-kopaska-us-navy-seals-amplify-operational-capabilities |access-date= |website=DVIDS |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-14 |title=Naval Special Warfare, Indonesian Navy's Komando Pasukan Katak (KOPASKA) Conduct Maritime Operations |url=https://www.dvidshub.net/news/478537/naval-special-warfare-indonesian-navys-komando-pasukan-katak-kopaska-conduct-maritime-operations |access-date= |website=DVIDS |language=en}}</ref>
*PANDU EX with [[Republic of Singapore Navy]] [[Naval Diving Unit (NDU)]];<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tni.mil.id/view-35701-kopaska-tni-al-dan-ndu-rsn-akrab-dalam-ex-pandu-1212.html |title=EX PANDU |publisher=tni.mil.id |date=2 May 2012 |access-date=12 January 2018}}</ref>
*Malindo Malaysia & Indonesia (Exercise with TLDM [[PASKAL]] in Maritime Interdiction Operation);
*PANDU EODEX with Republic of Singapore Navy [[Naval Diving Unit]] / RSN-NDU alternately Singapore and Indonesia;
*MINEX with Republic of Singapore Navy;
*SEA EAGLE with Republic of Singapore Navy;
*MCMEX / DIVEX with NAVAL EOD Team from 25 Asia Pacific countries in Asia Pacific;
*Joint Exercise with [[Special Service Group (Navy)|Pakistan SSG Navy]];<ref>{{cite web|language=id|url=http://kominfo.jatimprov.go.id/read/umum/kopaska-dan-pakistan-navy-gelar-latihan-bersama-sea-thunder-iii|title=Kopaska dan Pakistan Navy Gelar Latihan Bersama Sea Thunder III|date=2018-11-26|access-date=2021-11-16|work=Information Service of Government of East Java}}</ref>
*Balance Iron with US Army Airborne & Ranger US Army;
*Various Series of [[United States Indo-Pacific Command|USINDOPACOM]] Training Programs: Naval Engagement Activity (NEA), Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE), Peace Support Initiative Operations (GPOI), Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT),<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-06-05 |title=U.S.-Indonesian navies conduct combat patrol, first aid, and boarding exercises during CARAT 2012 |url=https://www.dvidshub.net/image/595009/us-indonesian-navies-conduct-combat-patrol-first-aid-and-boarding-exercises-during-carat-2012 |access-date= |website=DVIDS |language=en}}</ref> [[Super Garuda Shield]], [[RIMPAC|Rim of the Pacific]] (RIMPAC);<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-18 |title=NSW Operators Dive with Partner Forces during RIMPAC 2024 |url=https://www.dvidshub.net/image/8551108/nsw-operators-dive-with-partner-forces-during-rimpac-2024 |access-date= |website=DVIDS |language=en}}</ref>
*Various Training Series UN Peacekeeping Operation: Khan Quest (Mongolia), Cobra Gold (Thailand-USPACOM) Global Positive Operation Initiative (GPOI) USPACOM (UNMOC, UNSOC, PSOIC, Traine of Trainer / ToT), ADF Warfare Center UNMOC & CIMIC (Australia), UNDPKO ITS ToT in Jakarta;
*UN Peacekeeping missions: UNMO (UNOMO / Iraq, UNAMID / Darfur, UNMIS / Sudan, UNMISS / Southern Sudan, UNMIBH / Bosnia & Herzegovina, MONUC / Congo), UN Staff (Lebanon, Congo), UN Contingent (Indo Mech Batt / Lebanon, Force Protection Coy / Lebanon, Eng Coy / Congo).

==Weaponry and equipment==
[[File:Steyr AUG A3.jpg|thumb|A left-side view of the Steyr AUG A3-CQC used by Kopaska]]
{{further|Equipment of the Indonesian Navy#Small arms}}
Since most of Kopaska duties are in salty and tropical environments, most of Kopaska's weapons and equipment reflect these conditions.

The type of equipment and weapons used by Kopaska are common in Indonesia and world special force societies, including:
* [[Pistol]]s: [[Browning Hi-Power|Pindad P1/P2]], [[SIG Sauer P226]], [[Glock 17]], [[Glock 19]], [[H&K USP]], [[CornerShot]]
* [[Submachine gun]]s: [[Heckler & Koch MP5|H&K MP5]] variants, [[Brugger & Thomet MP9]] variants, [[Micro-uzi|Micro Uzi]], [[Daewoo K7]], [[MP7]]
* [[Assault rifle]]s: [[AK-47]], [[Type 56 assault rifle|Norinco Type 56-2]], [[M16 rifle|Colt M16A1]], [[Pindad SS1|Pindad SS1-V1/V2]], [[Pindad SS2|Pindad SS2-V1/V2]], [[Vz. 58|Vz-58]], [[CZ 805 BREN]], [[HK416]], [[M4 carbine|M4]], [[Steyr Aug|Steyr AUG A3 SFO]], [[AK-101]], [[APS underwater rifle]], [[AK-102]]
* [[Sniper rifle]]s:[[SIG 550]] Sniper rifle, Steyr-Mannlicher [[Steyr SSG 69|SSG 69]], [[IMI Galil|Galatz]] Sniper Rifle, [[Accuracy International Arctic Warfare|AW L96]], [[Denel NTW-20]], Arctic Sniper, [[HK417]], [[SR-25]]
* [[Machinegun|Machine gun]]s: [[Ultimax 100]] [[Daewoo K3]], [[FN Minimi]], [[FN MAG]], [[GPMG]], [[Pindad]] 12.7 MG's.
[[File:Kopaska1.jpg|thumb|Kopaska special forces of the Indonesian Navy, equipped with [[M4 carbine|M4]] carbines]]
Kopaska use commercial scuba diver equipment. All personnel are also equipped with lightweight PRO-TEC helmets, Level III MICH helmets, and some of them wearing Airframe Helmets and by [[Crye Precision]] and FAST Helmets by [[OpsCore]]. They use close circuit, semi close circuit and open circuit aqualung equipment, a scooter or sub-skimmer craft for underwater mobility, and an Avon Sea Raider Rigid Inflatable Boat or Hull (By deflating the hull, a Sea Raider can also can be used as a sub-skimmer craft). They also have X38 Combat Boat and Sea Shadow.

==Role and notable missions==

Currently, the unit has approximately 300 personnel, divided into two groups. One group is attached to the western fleet, based in [[Jakarta]] and the other group is attached to the eastern fleet, based in [[Surabaya]], East [[Java (island)|Java]]. When called for, they conduct limited support [[search and rescue]] missions. They have also been deployed overseas as part of United Nations peacekeeping missions.

=== Trikora campaign ===
{{see also|Operation Trikora}}
Early plans, included a proposed "human torpedo" campaign. An attack boat was equipped with a [[MiG-17]] "Fresco" ejection seat, powered by a pair of Johnson 100pk and armed with two torpedo warheads. Known as Project Y within Kopaska circles, this project was supervised by Lt. Commander (Navy) Urip Santoso (Vice Adm Ret), one of the founders of Kopaska.

=== MV Sinar Kudus Hostage Rescue ===
{{see also|MV Sinar Kudus hijacking}}
On March 16, 2011, an Indonesian merchant ship, MV Sinar Kudus, carrying nickel ore from [[South Sulawesi]] to [[Rotterdam]] was hijacked by a group of [[Somali pirates]] at [[Piracy off the coast of Somalia|the coast of Somalia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oceanuslive.org/main/viewnews.aspx?uid=00000233|title=News: MV Sinar Kudus Hijacked; Used As Mothership|date=2011-03-16|access-date=2021-11-16}}</ref> After some negotiations, the ship owner eventually agreed to pay a ransom and the pirates freed the vessel and its crew.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/70881/somali-pirates-release-sinar-kudus-crew|title=Somali pirates release Sinar Kudus crew|date=2011-05-01|access-date=2021-11-16|work=Antara News|editor-first=Ruslan|editor-last=Burhani}}</ref> However, upon learning that the ship was carrying valuable minerals, another groups of pirates attempted to re-hijack the ship, and made an aggressive fast approach to retake MV Sinar Kudus. After MV Sinar Kudus signalled "mayday", a group of Kopaska elite soldiers were deployed from [[Ahmad Yani-class frigate|KRI Abdul Halim Perdanakusuma]] to secure the ship. Three fast boats were deployed. But fearing that it may not be quick enough, a group of Kopaska were deployed using [[MBB Bo 105|Bo 105 helicopter]] to strafe the oncoming pirates. The remainder of Kopaska onboard the boats finished the pirates.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://angkasa.co.id/sejarah/kisah-operasi-pasukan-katak-di-mv-sinar-kudus/2/|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160630201133/http://angkasa.co.id/sejarah/kisah-operasi-pasukan-katak-di-mv-sinar-kudus/2/|archive-date = 30 June 2016|title = Kisah Operasi Pasukan Katak di MV Sinar Kudus}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date= 2 May 2011|url= https://news.detik.com/berita/d-1630634/kronologi-pembebasan-sinar-kudus-uang-tebusan-dihitung-hingga-malam-| title= Kronologi Pembebasan Sinar Kudus, Uang Tebusan Dihitung Hingga Malam| publisher  = Detik News| access-date = 23 February 2018}}</ref>

===Other Missions===
*Carry out various Special Operations / Intelligence of TNI and Navy
*Conducting Special Operations "Scraper Plow"
*Carrying out Special Operations "Lusitania Expresso"
*[[Piracy|Anti-Piracy operations]]
*Pursuing Pirates in the Malacca Strait, Sunda Strait, Bangka Belitung
*Pursuing Pirates in eastern Indonesia region
*VIP and VVIP Security (Non-Aligned Summit, Bali Democracy Forum etc.)
*Security operations in [[Ambalat]] Block - Unarang Corals
*Security operations of Vital Objects such as in national Oil Rigs

==Uniform==
Since 2006, Kopaska have been wearing their own [[Multi-scale camouflage|pixelated camouflage]] design that often called "Kopaska Digital". A second version has also appeared utilizing lighter colors, the second version has a trident or three-pronged harpoon being grasped by a frog incorporated into the pixelated design. Kopaska Digital first appeared is in 2006, the uniform was made by PT. Sritex and designed by  PT. Mustika.

==References==
{{Commons category|Kopaska}}
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXSWSZdwUjw Kopaska training video]

{{Military of Indonesia}}
{{Naval special operations forces}}
{{Underwater diving|prodiv}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kopaska}}
[[Category:Armed forces diving]]
[[Category:Naval special forces units and formations]]
[[Category:Special forces of Indonesia]]
[[Category:Indonesian Navy]]
[[Category:Combat diving]]
[[Category:Frogman operations]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1962]]