View source for Kopassus

{{Short description|Special forces unit of the Indonesian Army}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{More citations needed|date=February 2021}}
{{Original research|date=July 2021}}
}}
{{EngvarB|date=November 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2015}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name                     = Special Forces Command
| native_name                   = {{lang|id|Komando Pasukan Khusus (Kopassus)}}
| image                         = Lambang Kopassus.svg
| image_size                    = 150px
| caption                       = Insignia of the Kopassus
| dates                         = {{start date and age|1952|4|16|df=yes}})
| country                       = {{flag|Indonesia}}
| branch                        = {{flagicon image|Flag of the Indonesian Army.svg|size=25px|border=yes}} [[Indonesian Army]]
| command_structure             = [[File:Insignia of the Indonesian National Armed Forces.svg|18px]] [[Military of Indonesia|Indonesian National Armed Forces]]
| type                          = [[Special forces|Army Special Forces]]
| role                          = *Group 1 & 2 – Para Commandos specializing in [[Special operations]], [[Jungle warfare]], [[Unconventional warfare]], [[Counter-insurgency]], [[Special reconnaissance]], and [[Direct action]] tasks
*Group 3 – Special Forces Training Center
*Group 4 – [[Military intelligence|Combat Intelligence]] and [[Secrecy|Clandestine]]
*Group 5, Also known as SAT-81 Gultor – [[Counter Terrorism]]
Secondary roles:
*[[Assassination]]
*[[High-value target|HVT Raids]]
*[[Fifth column]] (alleged)
*[[Extraterritorial operations]]
*[[Close Protection|Protection team]]
*[[Death squad]] (alleged)
*[[Covert operations]]
*[[Counterintelligence]]
*[[Combat search and rescue|CSAR]]
*[[Visit, board, search, and seizure|VBSS]]
*[[Amphibious warfare]]
*[[Psychological warfare]]
| size                          = Division (4 brigades and 1 training center)
| website                       = {{url|https://kopassus.mil.id/}}
| current_commander             = {{flagicon image|Flag of a Indonesian Army Mayor Jenderal.png}} [[Major General]] {{ill|Djon Afriandi|id}}
| garrison                      = Cijantung, Jakarta
| nickname                      = '''{{lang|id|Hantu Rimba}}''' (Ghost of the Jungle), '''{{lang|id|Baret Merah}}''' (Red Berets), '''{{lang|id|Komando}}'''
| commander1_label              = [[Commandant General]]
| ceremonial_chief              = {{flagicon image|Flag of a Indonesian Army Brigadir Jenderal.png}} [[Brigadier General]] {{ill|Yudha Airlangga|id}}
| ceremonial_chief_label        = Deputy Commandant General
| colonel_of_the_regiment       = 
| motto                         = {{lang|id|Berani, Benar, Berhasil}} ("Brave, Rightful, Successful")
| colours                       = 
| colors_label                  = [[red]]
| march                         = 
| mascot                        = 
| battles                       =
*[[Guided Democracy in Indonesia|Regional rebellions 1950s]]
**[[Darul Islam rebellion]]
**[[Revolutionary Government of the Republic of Indonesia|PRRI rebellion]]
**[[Permesta|Permesta rebellion]]
*[[Republic of South Maluku|South Maluku Rebellion]]
**[[Invasion of Ambon]]
*[[Operation Trikora]]
*[[Papua conflict]] (1962–present)
**[[Mapenduma hostage crisis]] (1996)
*[[Indonesia–Malaysia Confrontation]] (1963–1966)
*[[Indonesian killings of 1965-66]]
**[[30 September Movement]]
* [[Operation Security and Order]]
* [[Communist insurgency in Sarawak|Communist insurgency in West Kalimantan]] (1967–1974){{sfn|Conboy|2003|pp=172–174,192–194}}
*[[Indonesian invasion of East Timor|East Timor military campaign (Operation Seroja) 1975]]
*[[Insurgency in Aceh]] (1976–2004)
*[[Garuda Indonesia Flight 206|The Hijacking of Garuda Flight GA 206 (Woyla Operation) 1981]]
*[[May 1998 riots of Indonesia|1998 Jakarta riots (alleged)]]
*[[Poso riots]] (1998–2001)
*[[1999 East Timorese crisis]]
*[[Maluku sectarian conflict]] (1999–2002)
*[[Maluku Sovereignty Front]] Rebellion (2000–present)
*Capture of [[Omar al-Faruq]] (2002) part of [[War on Terror]]
*[[MV Sinar Kudus Hijacking]] (2011)
*[[Operation Madago Raya]] (2016–2022)
*[[Garuda Contingent]] ([[United Nations|UN]] [[peacekeeping]])
| notable_commanders            = *[[Major (rank)|Major]] [[Mochammad Idjon Djanbi|Idjon Djanbi]]
*[[General]] [[Sarwo Edhie Wibowo]]
*[[General]] [[Prabowo Subianto]]
*[[General]] [[Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan]]
| anniversaries                 = 16 April 1952
}}

The '''Kopassus''' ({{langx|id|Komando Pasukan Khusus}}, Special Forces Command) is an [[Indonesian Army]] (TNI-AD) [[special forces]] group that conducts [[special operations]] missions for the [[Indonesian government]], such as [[Direct action (military)|direct action]], [[unconventional warfare]], [[sabotage]], [[counter-insurgency]], [[counter-terrorism]], [[intelligence (information gathering)|intelligence gathering]] and [[special reconnaissance]] (SR). Kopassus was founded by [[Alexander Evert Kawilarang]] and [[Mochammad Idjon Djanbi]] on 16 April 1952. It gained worldwide attention after several operations such as the [[Indonesian invasion of East Timor]] and the release of hostages from [[Garuda Indonesia Flight 206]].

The special forces spearheaded some of the government's military campaigns: putting down regional rebellions in the late 1950s, [[Operation Trikora]] (Western New Guinea campaign) in 1961–1962, the [[Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation]] from 1962 to 1966, the [[Indonesian killings of 1965–1966|massacres of alleged communists]] in 1965, the [[Indonesian invasion of East Timor|East Timor invasion]] in 1975, and subsequent campaigns against separatists in various provinces.

Kopassus has been reported by national and international media, [[human rights]]-affiliated [[NGO]]s and researchers<ref name="tanter">{{cite book|author1=Tanter, Richard |author2=van Klinken, Geert Arend |author3=Van Klinken,Gerry |author4=Ball, Desmond |year=2006|title=Masters of terror: Indonesia's military and violence in East Timor|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|location=Lanham MD|page=218}}</ref> to have committed violations of [[human rights]] in [[East Timor]], [[Aceh]], [[Papua (Indonesian province)|Papua]] and [[Java]].<ref name="HRW2018">{{cite news |last1=Harsono |first1=Andreas |title=The US Should Not Be Rehabilitating Indonesia's Abusive Special Forces |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2018/01/26/us-should-not-be-rehabilitating-indonesias-abusive-special-forces |access-date=19 February 2021 |work=Human Rights Watch |date=26 January 2018}}</ref> In 2019, the [[United States]] announced that it would conduct a combined exercise training with Kopassus in 2020.<ref name="Shanahan2019">{{cite press release |title=Joint Statement Between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia and the Department of Defense of the United States of America |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/1863375/joint-statement-between-the-ministry-of-defense-of-the-republic-of-indonesia-an/ |website=United States Department of Defense |access-date=19 February 2021 |date=31 May 2019}}</ref><ref name="AsiaTimes2019"/> The US had ended links with Kopassus in 1999 as the [[Leahy Law]] banned assistance to foreign military units with a history of human rights violations until those responsible are prosecuted.<ref name="NYT10">{{cite news |last1=Bumiller |first1=Elisabeth |last2=Onishi |first2=Norimitsu |title=U.S. Lifts Ban on Indonesian Special Forces Unit |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/23/world/asia/23military.html |access-date=19 February 2021 |work=The New York Times |date=22 July 2010}}</ref><ref name="HRW2010">{{cite web |title=Indonesia: US Resumes Military Assistance to Abusive Force |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2010/07/22/indonesia-us-resumes-military-assistance-abusive-force |website=Human Rights Watch |access-date=19 February 2021 |date=22 July 2010}}</ref> Kopassus has introduced internal reforms and undertaken human rights courses with the [[International Committee of the Red Cross]].<ref name="AsiaTimes2019">{{cite news|url=https://www.asiatimes.com/2019/06/article/abusive-indonesian-unit-back-in-americas-good-graces/|title=Abusive Indonesian unit back in America's good graces|access-date=15 January 2020|work=Asia Times|date=14 June 2019|last=McBeth|first=John}}</ref><ref name="NYT10"/> In 2018, [[United States Secretary of Defense|US Secretary of Defense]] [[Jim Mattis]] said he wanted to lift the ban as Kopassus had reformed and removed human rights abusive soldiers.<ref name="WPJan18">{{cite news |last1=Horton |first1=Alex |title=Secretary Mattis seeks ties with once-brutal Indonesia special forces unit, with an eye on China |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2018/01/23/secretary-mattis-seeks-ties-with-once-brutal-indonesia-special-forces-unit-with-an-eye-on-china/ |access-date=19 February 2021 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=24 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Stewart |first1=Phil |last2=Beo Da Costa|first2=Agustinus|title=Indonesia looks to U.S. to relax limits on its special forces |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/indonesia-usa-mattis/indonesia-looks-to-us-to-relax-limits-on-its-special-forces-idINKBN1FC0WC |access-date=19 February 2021 |work=Reuters |date=23 January 2018}}</ref> In response, [[United States Senate|Senator]] [[Patrick Leahy]] said Mattis needs to establish whether Kopassus has punished officers and is today "accountable to the rule of law".<ref name="WPJan18"/> [[Human Rights Watch]] criticised plans to lift the ban as Kopassus officers had not been prosecuted.<ref name="HRW2018"/>

==History==
On 15 April 1952, [[Colonel]] [[Alexander Evert Kawilarang]] began to form {{lang|id|Kesatuan Komando Tentara Territorium III/Siliwangi (Kesko TT)}}, the early name of Kopassus and the basis for this historic special forces unit.

Not long after, Colonel Kawilarang with the use of military intelligence located and met with [[Major (rank)|Major]] [[Mochammad Idjon Djanbi|Rokus Bernardus Visser]]—a former member of the [[Netherlands|Dutch]] Special Forces who had remained in newly independent Indonesia, settled in [[West Java]], married an Indonesian woman, and was known locally as Mochammad Idjon Djanbi. He was the first recruit for the Indonesian special forces, as well as its first commander. Due to him, the unit which later became ''Kopassus'' wear red berets (color traditionally favored by airborne troops in Europe) instead of the distinctive green beret.{{sfn|Conboy|2003|page=26}}

At that time, Indonesia's special force name was {{lang|id|Kesatuan Komando Tentara Territorium / Kesko TT)}} (3rd Territorial Army Command Commando Unit). {{lang|id|Kopassus}} was the final result of five name changes: Kesko TT, KKAD ({{lang|id|Kesatuan Komando Angkatan Darat}}, Army Commando Forces Unit), RPKAD ({{lang|id|Resimen Para Komando Angkatan Darat}}, Army Para-Commando Regiment), {{lang|id|Puspassus}} (Army Special Forces Department) and {{lang|id|Kopassandha}}.{{efn|Komando Pasukan Sandi Yudha; ''Sandhi Yudha'' roughly translated as "secret or covert warrior", translated as Special Forces Corps.}} The first generation of this force was only around a hundred [[soldier]]s or one [[company (military unit)|company]], headquartered in [[Bandung]]. Among its pioneer instructors was a young veteran of the Indonesian National Revolution, future Minister of Defense [[Leonardus Benjamin Moerdani]], who later became a battalion commander and later led his paratroopers to crush the two twin rebellions in 1957-58 by the [[Revolutionary Government of the Republic of Indonesia]] and [[Permesta]].

As the RPKAD, a name used in the 1960s, and expanded into a three-battalion special forces airborne regiment, the force was involved in the widespread killings<ref>{{cite book|last=Cribb|first=Robert|editor-last=Ooi|editor-first=Keat Gin|title=Southeast Asia: A Historical Encyclopedia, from Angkor Wat to East Timor|year=2004|publisher=ABC-CLIO|location=Santa Barbara|isbn=9781576077702|contribution=Gestapu Affair|url={{Google books|QKgraWbb7yoC|plainurl=yes|page=545}}|page=545}}</ref> during General [[Suharto]]'s [[Transition to the New Order|rise to power]]. An estimated half-a million people were killed in the anti-communist purge with strong communal overtones.

The RPKAD was involved in wiping out entire villages such as [[Kesiman]] (east of [[Denpasar]]) in Bali, many of them in beach areas which later becomes major tourist resorts.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Prashad, Vijay |title = The Darker Nations : A Biography of the Short-Lived Third World|publisher = LeftWord Books|year = 2009|page=167}}</ref>

The unit also saw action during the [[Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation]] when in 1965, Indonesia launched a war for control of North Borneo ([[Sabah]]/[[Sarawak]]) during Malaysian independence, particularly in the [[Battle of Sungei Koemba]] In 1981, with Moerdani yet again at the lead, a Kopassandha company was deployed to Bangkok as part of the efforts to rescue [[Garuda Indonesia Flight 206]] from hijackers.

In 2017 Kopassus was sent to Afghanistan to guard the Indonesia embassy in [[Kabul]], [[Afghanistan]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Indonesia to deploy military personnel at its embassy in Kabul |url=https://en.antaranews.com/news/113959/indonesia-to-deploy-military-personnel-at-its-embassy-in-kabul |access-date=22 February 2021 |work=ANTARA News |date=20 December 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Dessthania Suastha |first=Riva |title=RI Kirim Kopassus ke Afghanistan untuk Jaga KBRI dari ISIS |url=https://www.cnnindonesia.com/internasional/20171220183302-106-263808/ri-kirim-kopassus-ke-afghanistan-untuk-jaga-kbri-dari-isis |access-date=22 February 2021 |work=CNN Indonesia |date=20 December 2017 |language=Indonesian}}</ref>

==Organization==
[[File:Kopassus groups symbols.jpg|thumb|left|140px|Kopassus' Groups]]
Kopassus organizational structure is different from the infantry units in general. Although Kopassus members generally are selected from the general Army Infantry, Kopassus maintains a different organizational structure.

Kopassus units intentionally do not use the nomenclature of standard infantry units. This is apparent in their units called '''[[Group (military unit)|Groups]]'''. With this unit, Kopassus can deploy a brigade plus size (about 5,000 personnel), or fewer.

There are five groups of Kopassus which are:
*Special Forces Training and Education Center ({{lang|id|Pusdikpassus}}) - located in [[Batujajar]], [[West Java]].
*Group 1 Para Commandos. Headquarters at Kartasura, Central Java.
*Group 2 Para Commandos. Headquarters at Serang, Banten.
*Group 4 Sandi Yudha ([[Clandestine operation|Clandestine]]). Headquarters at Cijantung, Jakarta.
*SAT-81 Gultor Counter-terrorism Group. Headquarters at Cijantung, Jakarta.

Except for Pusdikpassus, which serves as an educational center, other Groups have combat oriented operational functions. Each Group (except Pusdikpassus) is subdivided into battalions.

===Group 1 Para Commandos===
[[File:SD meets with Indonesian CHOD (18).jpg|thumb|250px|Kopassus commando]]
[[File:TNI_SF_raid.jpg|thumb|250px|Kopassus commandos in fast roping demonstration]]
Group 1 Para Commandos ({{lang|id|Grup 1 Para Komando}}) is a unit of Brigade level which is part of the Army Special Forces Command and was established on 23 March 1963. The group was first commanded by Major L.B. Moerdani. The unit's motto known as ''Dhuaja'' is {{IAST|Eka Wastu Baladhika}},<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hobbymiliter.com/3359/profil-group-1-kopassus-serang/|title=Profil Grup 1 Kopassus Serang - HobbyMiliter.com|date=2016-04-22|work=HobbyMiliter.com|access-date=2017-06-08|language=en-US}}</ref> then created by Corporal Suyanto. It has a total of 3,274 personnel.<ref name="commando">''COMMANDO Magazine'', Volume II No. 1 July–August 2005. [[Jakarta]]: [[Gramedia]], 2005.</ref> The unit's internal organization consists of the group headquarters and four battalions which are:
#11th Battalion / "Atulo Sena Bhaladhika" 
#12th Battalion / "Asabha Sena Baladhika"
#13th Battalion / "Thikkaviro Sena Bhaladhika"
#14th Battalion / "Bhadrika Sena Bhaladhika"

Each battalion consists of 3 companies. Each company is broken into 3 platoons, each of which consisted of 39 people. And each platoon consists of 3 small units called a squad of 10 men. The 1st Group, with its 4 battalions, is the largest brigade of the Kopassus.

===Group 2 Para Commandos===
Group 2 Para Commando ({{lang|id|Grup 2 Para Komando}}) is a unit of Brigade level, which is part of the Special Forces Command of the Army and was established in 1962. The group was first commanded by Major Soegiarto. The unit's motto is {{IAST|Dwi Dharma Bhirawa Yudha}} and has a total of 1.459 personnel. The unit's internal organization are as follows:
#Group HQ
#21st Battalion / "Buhpala Yudha" 
#22nd Battalion / "Manggala Yudha"
#23rd Battalion / "Dhanuja Yudha" - located in [[Parung]], [[Bogor]]

Like "Group 1", "Group 2" has the main tasks and responsibilities for missions such as [[Airborne forces|Airborne assault]], [[Jungle warfare]], [[Unconventional Warfare]], [[Counter-insurgency]], Special [[Reconnaissance]], and [[Direct Action]].

===Special Forces Training and Education Center===
The Special Forces Training and Education Center ({{lang|id|Pusat Pendidikan dan Latihan Pasukan Khusus}}) abbreviated "'''Pusdiklatpassus'''" is the training and education center for recruits and personnel associated with and becoming to join as Commandos in the Army Special Forces Command (Kopassus). As an educational institution, "Pusdiklatpassus" is divided based on its training function. Supervises nine schools of education and training including:
*Para School
*Commando School
*Sandhi Yudha (Intelligence) School
*School of Specialized Warfare 
*Specialization School
*Raider School
It provides other specialist courses, which are also open to members of the Army out of Kopassus such as: Hunting Company, Scuba, Rock-climbing, Demolition, Path-Finder and Sniper.

====Commando Training====
[[File:SD meets with Indonesian CHOD (12).jpg|250px|thumb|Kopassus commandos are trained in multiple martial arts and self defense knowledge. Shown here are Kopassus commandos demonstrating [[Merpati Putih]]]]

The [[Commando]] education and training lasts for approximately seven months (28 weeks) which is divided into three stages. The first phase of the implementation of the education is conducted on the base for 18 weeks, the second stage all participants will be released in the forest and the mountains twice each for 6 weeks, and the next stage of the third stage ends with a 4-week sea-swamp stage. The 97th batch of the Commando Education had first initial participants as many as 251 personnel, who successfully passed through commando education and inaugurated as a special forces commando of 214 personnel. Phases are as shown below:

*'''Phase I''' (Base training)
10 Weeks with individual ability points in Batujajar. Establish attitudes & personality, fill in technical skills, Command Operation tactics, Individual & basic capabilities of urban battle, Support knowledge, Field managerial, and individual ability test.

*'''Phase II''' (Forest and Mountain)
6 Weeks with Counter Insurgency emphasis, [[Jungle warfare]] and Raid warfare in Situ Lembang. Stabilization of forest observations, individual abilities in the forest / Basic battle techniques, forest capabilities in group relations, forest HTF, and durability of long march application (LRRP).

*'''Phase III''' (Swamp and Sea)
4 Weeks with heavy Commando operation tactics, sea battle tactics in [[Cilacap]] and [[Nusakambangan]]. Conservation observation of Sea-swamp, patrol ability, swamp terrain knowledge and Resistance to Interrogation test.

"Kopassus" has graduated students from the Commando Education up to 100 batches. In the year 2016 followed by 153 commando students, which consists of ranks of 41 Officers, 101 NCOs, and 11 Enlisted. The command officers who successfully complete the 7-month Command Course well are entitled to wear the qualified commando brevet issued to their clothing/uniform.

Aside from Kopassus commandos, the Pusdiklatpassus also trains SF-ready combat personnel of the [[Indonesian Army infantry battalions#Raider infantry battalions|Army Raider Infantry battalions]] within the structure of the territorial region commands or KODAMs Army-wide and within [[Kostrad]] component units.

===Group 4 Combat Intelligence===
Group 4 / Sandhi Yudha is a Kopassus unit that has the specification of "[[Clandestine operation]]" 'secret warfare', including combat Intel and counter-insurgency. Group 4 was formed on 24 July 1967, headquartered at [[Cijantung]] Kopassus Headquarters, East Jakarta. Prospective Personnel in this Group are strictly selected internally ranging from prospective soldiers who are still educated to personnel who have active duty in unity but have an intelligence talent that will then be trained again. The motto of this unit is {{IAST|Chatur Kottaman Wira Naraca Byuha}}. The Group is organized as follows:
#Group HQ
#31st Battalion/Eka Sandhi Yudha Utama
#32nd Battalion/Apta Sandhi Prayudha Utama
#33rd Battalion/Wira Sandhi Yudha Sakti

====Conducted Training====
The basic training is the same as other Kopassus soldiers (2.5 months), Command School (7 months) plus other courses such as Jungle Warfare, Close Combat, Special combat school and Climber, but after that the candidates of combat-intelligence is educated more specifically for the education of "Sandhi Yudha" in "Pusdiklatassus" located in [[Batujajar]] whose education materials are intelligence and supporting knowledge for intelligence in the field of operation such as disguise, navigation, special martial, Special tools of intelligence and others. Even some selected personnel from this Group are sent abroad to schools of Military Intelligence Education Centers such as in the United States, Germany, Britain and even Israel. Among all types of soldiers in "Kopassus", the most specific form of education and training is the Group 4 / Sandhi Yudha combat intelligence unit.

===SAT-81 Gultor Counter-terrorism group===
[[File:Satuan 81 Kopassus.jpg|thumb|250px|Sat-81 Kopassus counter terrorism group]]
Unit 81 / Counter Terror or abbreviated as Sat-81 / Gultor is a unit in Kopassus which is equivalent to a group level formation and is composed of the best chosen personnel within the whole of the Indonesian Army special forces. The strength of this unit is not publicly publicized on the number of personnel or types of weapons. The Sat 81 Gultor is incorporated in the BNPT Crisis Control Center ("Pusdalsis") which consists of a combination of special units, such as the [[Denjaka]] from the [[Indonesian Navy]], the [[Bravo Detachment 90]] of the [[Indonesian Air Force]], and the 1st Gegana Command of the [[Mobile Brigade Corps|Brimob]] Corps, [[Indonesian National Police]]. "Pusdalsis" is organized of a combination of elite units within the Indonesian National Armed Forces and Police which is assigned as a counter-terrorist formation to be sent when the activities of terrorism may be conducted such as aircraft hijacking. The regiment is organized into a group HQ and two Special Forces Battalions:

#811th Special Action Battalion / Wega Yogya Gabhira 
#812th Support Battalion / Wira Drdha Ghabira

Recruitment is done by choosing from members which at least have 2 years of active service in the groups of the Kopassus organization, and must complete 6 months of Counter Terrorism Selection and Reinforcement Training before being assigned.

===Command structure===
[[File:Kopassus organization.jpg|550px|center|thumb|Kopassus organization during the new order]]

==Training==
The unit actively conduct training and joint operation with [[United States Army Special Forces]], [[SFOD-D]], [[Special Air Service Regiment]], [[CIA]], [[MOSSAD]],{{sfn|Conboy|2003|p=313}} [[GSG9]].

Kopassus participates in bilateral training exercises with international partners. After resuming military ties in 2003, Australia's special operations unit, the [[Special Air Service Regiment]], conducts an annual counter terrorism exercise, with Australia and Indonesia taking turns to host the event.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nurhayati|first1=Desy |title=Kopassus, Australia's SAS conduct joint anti-terrorism drill |url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/09/28/kopassus-training-with-australia039s-sas-counterterrorism.html |work=The Jakarta Post |date=29 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100928233952/http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/09/28/kopassus-training-with-australia039s-sas-counterterrorism.html |archive-date=28 September 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In July 2011, Kopassus and Chinese special forces held a joint counter terrorism exercise called Exercise Sharp Knife, held in [[Bandung]], [[Java]].<ref>{{cite news |title=China, Indonesia Launch Joint Special Forces Training Initiative |url=https://www.futuredirections.org.au/publication/china-indonesia-launch-joint-special-forces-training-initiative/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320233237/http://www.futuredirections.org.au/publication/china-indonesia-launch-joint-special-forces-training-initiative/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=20 March 2017 |access-date=22 February 2021 |work=Future Directions International |date=15 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=China-Indonesia joint training for special forces ends in Bandung |url=http://en.people.cn/90001/90776/90883/7413666.html |access-date=22 February 2021 |work=People's Daily Online |agency=Xinhua |date=18 June 2011}}</ref> In July 2012, Exercise Sharp Knife II was held in [[Jinan]], [[China]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wei |first1=Zhao |title=China, Indonesia hold joint anti-terrorism exercise |url=http://english.sina.com/china/2012/0702/482342.html |access-date=22 February 2021 |work=SINA English |date=2 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Kopassus Akan Latihan Bersama Di China |url=https://sulteng.antaranews.com/berita/1548/kopassus-akan-latihan-bersama-di-china |access-date=22 February 2021 |work=ANTARA |date=2 July 2012 |language=Indonesian}}</ref>

In 2015, Kopassus and South Korea [[707th Special Mission Battalion]] held a joint counter terrorism exercise in [[South Korea]].

On 19 February 2018, Kopassus and [[Para (Special Forces)|9 Para SF]] held a joint exercise called Garuda Sakti in Cipatat, [[Bandung]].

On 7 February 2019, Kopassus and [[Special Service Group]] held a joint counter terrorism exercise called Elang Strike in [[Pabbi]], [[Pakistan]].

In May 2019, former Secretary of Defense [[Ryamizard Ryacudu]] and United States Acting [[United States Secretary of Defense|Secretary of Defense]] [[Patrick M. Shanahan]] announced a joint combined exercise training in 2020.<ref name="Shanahan2019"/> The exercise to be held in Indonesia would focus on [[combat medic]] training.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Robertus |first1=Wardi |last2=Nur|first2=Yasmin|title=Shangri-La Dialogue Signals Closer Military Cooperation Between Indonesia and the US |url=https://jakartaglobe.id/news/shangrila-dialogue-signals-closer-military-cooperation-between-indonesia-and-the-us/ |access-date=22 February 2021 |work=Jakarta Globe |agency=Antara |date=31 May 2019}}</ref>

In February 2020, the [[Asia Times]] reported that Kopassus recently took part in a full–on combat training exercise with the United States [[1st Special Forces Command (Airborne)]] at [[Fort Bragg]], [[United States]], and that it was the first combat training exercise with the US since a 15-year military embargo was lifted in 2005.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McBeth |first1=John |title=Indonesia treads tight line between China and US |url=https://asiatimes.com/2020/02/indonesia-treads-tight-line-between-china-and-us/ |access-date=22 February 2021 |work=Asia Times |date=26 February 2020}}</ref>

In November 2021, the [[1st Scout Ranger Regiment]] have conducted joint training with Kopassus operators.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160847 | title=Scout Rangers, Indonesia Special Forces conclude 2-week training | website=Philippine News Agency }}</ref>

==Uniform and Attributes==
[[File:Kopassus uniform.jpg|thumb|200px|Uniform of Kopassus with the Ceremonial “''Streaming Blood''“ Camouflage Pattern (''Loreng Darah Mengalir'')]]

===Brief History of Kopassus Attributes===
The Kopassus (then RPKAD) red beret was first used in 1954-1968 and was designed by Lieutenant Dodo Sukamto. It was first used during a ceremony on 5 October 1954. This emblem consists of a bayonet, anchors representing abilities in the sea and wings as high mobility. The beret emblem used in 1968 until now with slight changes from the initial design, the bayonet is more slender than the Commando knife and the wingspan is more wing coat like the Wing of the Army designs. The iconic Kopassus Camouflage pattern called ''Loreng Darah Mengalir'' (Flowing Blood pattern), introduced in 1964 pattern was originally intended to be a copy of the WW2 era British [[Denison smock|Denison brushstroke camouflage]] for issue to the RPKAD. However, an error at the original manufacturing plant resulted in the vertical, vine-like stripes that characterize this unique pattern. The original version illustrated, with some variation in color and type of fabric, saw service between 1964 and 1986 (at which time the entire Armed Forces were outfitted in a copy of British DPM). The second pattern shown was revived for issue to Kopassus in 1995 but in a slightly varied design, worn for ceremonial & training purposes only. For other purpose regular [[Indonesian Armed Forces|TNI]] pattern ([[Disruptive Pattern Material|DPM]]) was used instead.

===Commando Brevet===
The Commando qualification brevet used since 1966 until now was designed by Major Djajadiningrat. This brevet is used by all graduates of Commando training and Education from Batujajar. Colonel Sarwo Edhie Wibowo used the new Commando Brevet qualification to show the public of the Corps' new appearance on 4 January 1966 during an Army-organized open house event at the grounds of the [[Gelora Bung Karno Sports Complex]], which, among others, featured a mass jump of Kopassus parachute commandos and operators in front of watching crowds.

===Paratrooper Badges===
====Jump Master Wings====
[[File:Jump Master Wing badge of indonesian army.jpg|thumb|180px|left|Jump Master Wing badge]]
Jump Master Wings are issued to commandos of Kopassus who have graduated from advanced paratrooper jump master courses conducted by the Commando training and educational center.

====Free Fall Wing====
The Kopassus (RPKAD) military freefall wing insignia, designed by HH.Djajadiningrat and first issued in 1962 depicts a free fall paratrooper hanging under a circle consisting of small parachutes. The iconic wing was first worn by the first free fall instructors Mladen Milicetic, Stoyan Jovic and Dobel Stanej, all from the [[Yugoslav Ground Forces]], in Bandung during the first free fall graduation ceremony of Kopassus (RPKAD) held there on 26 October 1962.{{citation needed|date=October 2020}}

== Controversies ==
===Human rights accusations===
Kopassus has been accused by [[NGO]]s, Western politicians, and researchers of [[human rights]] violations.<ref name="tanter"/><ref>{{cite book |author1=Human Rights Watch |title="What did I do wrong?" : Papuans in Merauke face abuses by Indonesian special forces |url=https://www.hrw.org/reports/indonesia0609webwcover_1.pdf |access-date=22 February 2021 |location=New York |date=2009|isbn=978-1564325075}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Wing |first1=John |last2=King|first2=Peter|title=Genocide in West Papua? : the role of the Indonesian state apparatus and a current needs assessment of the Papuan people |date=August 2005 |publisher=Breakout Design & Print|id=West Papua Project, Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Sydney and ELSHAM Jayapura, Papua |location=Broadway, NSW |isbn=0975239171|url=http://www.arts.usyd.edu.au/centres/cpacs/WestPapuaGenocideRpt.05.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051011231844/http://www.arts.usyd.edu.au/centres/cpacs/WestPapuaGenocideRpt.05.pdf|archive-date=11 October 2005|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Amnesty International]] and Indonesian human rights groups including the official [[National Commission on Human Rights (Indonesia)|National Commission on Human Rights]] (Komnas HAM) have cited abuses by members of Kopassus.

Kopassus has also been associated with illegal economic activities, like involvement in the trade of [[Agarwood]] and illegal gold mining in West Papua and other areas, and the trade in drugs.<ref>{{cite news |title=Al Qaeda claim could be authentic: Howard |url=http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2003/s922904.htm |work=[[Lateline]] |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=12 August 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031228233459/http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2003/s922904.htm |archive-date=28 December 2003|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 1975, five [[Australia]]n [[journalism|journalists]], known as the [[Balibo Five]], were killed by members of Kopassus in the town of [[Balibo]] during the [[Indonesian invasion of East Timor]].<ref name="McDonald">{{cite news |url=https://www.smh.com.au/news/national/killed-to-silence-them/2007/11/16/1194766918197.html |title=Balibo Five deliberately killed: coroner |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=16 November 2007 |first=Hamish |last=McDonald}}</ref> The Indonesian military has always maintained that the men were killed in a cross-fire during the battle for the town.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.economist.com/world/asia/displayStory.cfm?story_id=14323088|newspaper=[[The Economist]]|date=27 August 2009|title=The Balibo five: Among so many dead in East Timor, a few now famous foreigners|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090831062949/http://www.economist.com/world/asia/displaystory.cfm?story_id=14323088 |archive-date=31 August 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[Arnold Ap]] was a [[Western New Guinea|West Papuan]] cultural leader, [[anthropologist]] and musician. Arnold was the leader of the group [[Mambesak]], and Curator of the [[Cenderawasih University]] Museum. In November 1983, he was arrested by Kopassus and imprisoned and tortured for suspected sympathies with the [[Free Papua Movement]], although no charges were laid. In April 1984, he was killed by a gunshot to his back.  Official accounts claim he was trying to escape. Many supporters believe Ap was executed by Kopassus.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Vickers|first1=Adrian|title=A History of Modern Indonesia|date=2013|edition=2nd|publisher=Cambridge University Press|location=Cambridge|url={{Google books|JegNLNYS09UC|plainurl=yes|page=185}}|isbn=9781107019478|page=185}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Rutherford |first1=Danilyn |title=Raiding the Land of the Doreigners : The Limits of the Nation on an Indonesian frontier |date=2002 |publisher=Princeton, NJ |location=Princeton University Press |isbn=9780691095905 |pages=212–13}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Rayfiel |first1=Alex |title=Singing for life |journal=[[Inside Indonesia]] |date=April–June 2004 |issue=78 |url=https://www.insideindonesia.org/singing-for-life |access-date=22 February 2021 |issn=0814-1185}}</ref> Another musician, Eddie Mofu, was also killed.

Between 1997 and 1998, Kopassus members from Tim Mawar (Rose Team) were responsible for [[1997–98 activists kidnappings in Indonesia|pro-democracy activists kidnappings]] of at least 22 people mainly in Jakarta.<ref name="JP2020">{{cite news |last1=Nurbaiti |first1=Alya |title=Former Tim Mawar members appointed to Prabowo's office |url=https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/09/25/former-tim-mawar-members-appointed-to-prabowos-office.html |access-date=19 February 2021 |work=The Jakarta Post |date=26 September 2020}}</ref> Nine activists were released and 13 remain missing.<ref name="JP2020"/><ref>{{cite news |title=Jakarta probes missing activists |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4605931.stm |access-date=19 February 2021 |work=BBC |date=3 June 2005}}</ref> In 1999, 11 members of Tim Mawar were found guilty by a military court.<ref name="JP2020"/> However, they appealed the verdict to the Supreme Court, which was not made public and only revealed in 2007, and were never jailed and all but one remained in the military.<ref name="JP2020"/><ref name="HRW2018"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Scarpello |first1=Fabio |title=Activists outraged at promotion of disgraced Indonesian soldiers |url=https://www.scmp.com/article/594176/activists-outraged-promotion-disgraced-indonesian-soldiers |date=24 May 2007|access-date=19 February 2021 |work=South China Morning Post|url-access=subscription}}</ref> In September 2020, Defence Minister [[Prabowo Subianto]] appointed two of the Team Mawar officers, two serving [[Brigadier general]]s, to senior positions in the [[Ministry of Defense (Indonesia)|Ministry of Defense]] following approval by President [[Joko Widodo]].<ref name="HRW2018"/> [[Amnesty International]] criticised the appointments as the President and the [[People's Representative Council|DPR]] had promised to investigate missing activist cases and instead placed suspects in positions of power.<ref name="JP2020"/><ref>{{cite news |title=Amnesty International Slams Decision to Appoint Former 'Tim Mawar' Into Govt |url=https://en.tempo.co/read/1390203/amnesty-international-slams-decision-to-appoint-former-tim-mawar-into-govt |access-date=19 February 2021 |work=Tempo |date=25 September 2020}}</ref> and shortly after Prabowo was inaugurated as president two more former members of the Team Mawar became heads of the [[National Cyber and Crypto Agency]] and the Main Secretariat of the [[State Intelligence Agency (Indonesia)| State Intelligence Agency]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.tempo.co/politik/tim-mawar-kopassus-prabowo-mutasi-tni-1180748 | title=Mantan Anggota Tim Mawar Kopassus Menempati Posisi Penting di Pemerintahan Prabowo }}</ref>

The United Nations ''Report of the International Commission of Inquiry on [[1999 East Timorese crisis|East Timor]]'' found there was evidence that Kopassus in 1999 engaged militias to conduct intimidation and terror tasks in order to influence the outcome of the [[1999 East Timorese independence referendum|independence referendum]].<ref>{{cite book |title=Report of the International Commission of Inquiry on East Timor |url=https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N00/266/42/IMG/N0026642.pdf?OpenElement |publisher=United Nations |access-date=22 February 2021 |location=New York |page=32 |date=January 2000|id=A/54/726, S/2000/59}}</ref>

In 2001, four Kopassus members were convicted of the strangulation of [[Theys Eluay]], the former chairman of the [[Papua Presidium Council]]. They were part of a group which had killed Theys after ambushing him and his driver. The group's leader, Lt-Col Hatono, and another soldier received prison sentences of three and a half years while two others received three years. A further two officers had their charges dismissed.<ref>{{cite book|last=Moore|first=Matthew & Karuni Rompies|date=22 April 2003|url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/04/21/1050777211770.html|title=Kopassus guilty of Eluay murder|publisher=The Age|access-date= 12 July 2012}}</ref> The men were all Kopassus members from Group V (Jakarta) and were not based in [[Jayapura]] or [[West Papua (province)|West Papua]]. They faced a [[court-martial]], which found them not guilty on the more serious charges of premeditated murder, because the Kopassus are legally exempt from the [[jurisdiction]] of [[Civil law (area)|civil law]]. Indonesian Army Chief, General Ryamizard Ryacudu (2002–05), accepted the men had to be prosecuted "because Indonesia is a State based on law" but he affirmed their defence's view that they were heroes who had killed a rebel leader.<ref>{{cite book|first=Damien|last= Kingsbury|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1Lfzhai05Q0C|title=Power Politics and the Indonesian military|publisher= Routledge|year=2003| isbn=0-415-29729-X|page=280}}</ref>

In 2002, Kopassus is accused of killing three teachers (two of whom were American and one Indonesian) and wounding 12 others in an ambush in August near the [[Grasberg mine|Freeport mine]]. For this, the US Congress extended its existing ban on contact with the Indonesian military. There is also suspicion that the attack was aimed at blackmailing mine owners into paying protection money. From 2000 to 2002, [[Freeport-McMoRan]] paid the TNI $10.7 million in protection money, but the company shut down the payments shortly before the ambush.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bonner |first1=Raymond |title=U.S. Links Indonesian Troops to Deaths of 2 Americans |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/01/30/world/us-links-indonesian-troops-to-deaths-of-2-americans.html |access-date=22 February 2021 |work=The New York Times |date=30 January 2003}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kingsbury |first1=Damien |title=We must not get back in bed with Kopassus |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/we-must-not-get-back-in-bed-with-kopassus-20030814-gdw74j.html |access-date=22 February 2021 |work=The Age |date=14 August 2003}}</ref>

In 2003, [[Laskar Jihad]] fighters have been trained by Kopassus<ref name="Kingsbury">Damien Kingsbury, ''[http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/08/13/1060588456746.html We must not get back in bed with Kopassus]'', in: [[The Age]], August 14, 2003</ref><ref name="Fernandes" /> in a training camp near [[Bogor]] in [[West Java]].<ref name="Fernandes">Damien Kingsbury/Clinton Fernandes (2008), ''Indonesia'', in: Clinton Fernandes (ed.), ''Hot spot: Asia and Oceania''. Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press, p. 109</ref> Laskar Jihad members even received military escorts while travelling from West Java to [[Surabaya]].<ref name="Thayer">Carlyle A. Thayer (2008), ''Radical Islam and Political Terrorism in Southeast Asia'', in: Terence Chong (ed.), ''Globalization and Its Counter-Forces in Southeast Asia''. Singapore: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, p. 264</ref> The behaviour of the military in Maluku was similarly biased. Although at first a newly created military unit, the ''Joint Battalion'', took action against Laskar Jihad in Maluku, it was replaced in mid-2001 by Kopassus, which was more sympathetic towards the militia.<ref>Robert W. Hefner (2005), ''Muslim Democrats and Islamist Violence in Post-Soeharto Indonesia'', in: Robert W. Hefner (ed.), ''Remaking Muslim Politics: Pluralism, Contestation, Democratization''. Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press, p. 290</ref>

Some international partners have severed military ties with Kopassus in response to allegations of human rights abuses. For example, Australia ceased training with Kopassus in September 1999 in relation to Kopassus' role in violence in East Timor.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Kingsbury |first1=Damien |title=Australia's Renewal of Training Links with Kopassus : A Critique |date=2004 |publisher=Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University |location=Canberra |isbn=0731554515 |series=Working Paper Number 387|url=http://sdsc.bellschool.anu.edu.au/sites/default/files/publications/attachments/2016-03/WP-SDSC-387_0.pdf |access-date=19 February 2021}}</ref> In early 2006, Australia resumed training exercises with Unit 81 focused on "skills required to conduct counter-hijack and hostage recovery operations" having earlier re-newed links in 2003 with the last similar exercise held in 1997.<ref>{{cite press release |author1=Minister for Defence Robert Hill |title=Australian and Indonesian special forces begin exercises |url=http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/Hilltpl.cfm?CurrentId=5309 |website=Ministers for Defence |publisher=Department of Defence |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051231083835/http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/Hilltpl.cfm?CurrentId=5309 |archive-date=31 December 2005 |date=12 December 2005|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{sfn|Kingsbury|2004|p=1}} The United States re-newed links with Kopassus in 2010 after President [[Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono]] advised the [[Presidency of Barack Obama|Obama administration]] it was the "litmus test of the bilateral relationship" after intense lobbying over four years to lift the 1999 ban.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dorling |first1=Philip |last2=McKenzie |first2=Nick |title=Obama caved in on Kopassus |url=https://www.theage.com.au/world/obama-caved-in-on-kopassus-20101216-18zlh.html |access-date=19 February 2021 |work=The Age |date=17 December 2010}}</ref><ref name="NYT10"/> [[United States Secretary of Defense|Secretary of Defense]] [[Robert Gates]] said it would be a limited program of cooperation "within the limits of U.S. law" that could be expanded dependent upon continued implementation of human-rights reform including suspending members of the military accused of human-rights abuses, [[Military discharge|discharging]] members convicted of abuses and prosecuting members who have violated human-rights.<ref>{{cite press release |author1=Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates |title=Statement by Secretary Gates at Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia |url=http://www.defense.gov//transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=4662 |website=United States Department of Defense |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100828040519/http://www.defense.gov//transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=4662 |archive-date=28 August 2010 |date=22 July 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates |title=Media Roundtable With Secretary Gates from Jakarta, Indonesia |url=http://www.defense.gov/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=4663 |website=United States Department of Defense |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101128214711/http://www.defense.gov/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=4663 |archive-date=28 November 2010 |date=22 July 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> In response, thirteen [[United States Congress|US Congress]] members wrote to the Secretary of State and the Defense Secretary that they had serious concerns.<ref>{{cite web |author1=US Congress members |title=Letter to Secretary of State and Defense Secretary |url=http://www.etan.org/news/2010/congressletter.pdf |access-date=20 February 2021 |date=13 May 2010}}</ref>

===Criminal conducts===
In 1996 a member of Kopassus known as [[Timika Airport#1996 shooting incident|Sanurip]] suffering from [[Depression (mood)|depression]] went on a rampage and killed 16 (11 military and 5 civilians) and injured 11 others. He was later sentenced to death.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Suhendra|title=Kisah Sanurip, Prajurit Kopassus Membantai Tentara & Sipil di Papua|url=https://tirto.id/kisah-sanurip-prajurit-kopassus-membantai-tentara-sipil-di-papua-daVc|access-date=2021-08-27|website=tirto.id|date=4 December 2018 |language=id}}</ref>

In March 2013, twelve Kopassus members wearing ski masks and armed with [[AK-47]] rifles [[Cebongan Prison raid|raided the Cebongan Prison]] near [[Yogyakarta]] which housed four prisoners charged with murdering their superior officer three days earlier in a nightclub brawl.<ref name="ABC2013">{{cite news |last1=Roberts |first1=George |title=Indonesian Kopassus special forces soldiers to appeal against convictions for deadly raid on Cebongan prison |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-06/indonesian-special-forces-soldiers-to-appeal-convictions-for-de/4939668 |access-date=20 February 2021 |work=ABC News |date=6 September 2013}}</ref><ref name="HRW2013">{{cite web |title=Indonesia: Seek Just Punishments for Military Murderers |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2013/09/09/indonesia-seek-just-punishments-military-murderers |website=Humans Rights Watch |access-date=20 February 2021 |date=9 September 2013}}</ref><ref name="Merdeka2016">{{cite news |last1=Pratomo |first1=Yulistyo |title=Mengenang Cebongan, solidaritas anggota Kopassus bunuh preman |url=https://www.merdeka.com/peristiwa/mengenang-cebongan-solidaritas-anggota-kopassus-bunuh-preman.html?page=all |access-date=22 February 2021 |work=Merdeka.com |date=11 June 2016 |language=Indonesian}}</ref> The members threatened and beaten 12 prisons guards and a member fatally shot the four prisoners.<ref name="HRW2013" /><ref name="Merdeka2016" /> The shooter was found guilty of homicide in a military court and sentenced to eleven years and two other members who supplied the weapons and stood next to him as he shot received six and eight years sentences.<ref name="ABC2013" /><ref name="Merdeka2016" /> Three of the twelve members tried and sentenced in the military court were dishonorably discharged.<ref name="HRW2013" /><ref name="Merdeka2016" />

In September 2015, the Army Chief of Staff General Mulyono at a ceremony at the Kopassus headquarters, stated that "There are still soldiers from the Indonesian Army who taint the name of their force and the Army with their arrogant and selfish attitudes … by engaging in misdeeds or even acting against the law".<ref name="JG2015">{{cite news |last1=Wardhy |first1=Robertus |title=Army Chief Calls on Kopassus to Dial Back Its Misconduct |url=https://jakartaglobe.id/news/army-chief-calls-kopassus-dial-back-misconduct/ |access-date=20 February 2021 |work=Jakarta Globe |date=25 September 2015}}</ref> Kopassus members had months earlier been involved in two incidents:<ref name="JG2015"/>

* June 2015: Kopassus members were involved in a brawl with [[Indonesian Air Force]] members at a karaoke parlour in [[Sukoharjo Regency|Sukoharjo]], resulting in the death of an Air Force member.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Susanto |first1=Ari |title=Seven Soldiers Charged Over Fatal Brawl at Yogya Cafe |url=https://jakartaglobe.id/news/seven-soldiers-charged-fatal-brawl-yogya-cafe/ |access-date=20 February 2021 |work=Jakarta Globe |date=5 June 2015}}</ref> Five Kopassus members were tried for violence resulting in death in November 2015.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sidang pengeroyokan anggota TNI AU, saksi beberkan rincian kejadian |url=https://www.merdeka.com/peristiwa/sidang-pengeroyokan-anggota-tni-au-saksi-beberkan-rincian-kejadian.html|work=Merdeka.com |access-date=20 February 2021 |date=30 November 2015 |language=Indonesian}}</ref>
* July 2015: A Kopassus member was arrested for his suspected involvement in the kidnapping of a Malaysian businessman.<ref>{{cite news |title=Two TNI Soldiers Among Seven Arrested for Alleged Abduction of Malaysian Businessman |url=https://jakartaglobe.id/news/two-tni-soldiers-among-seven-arrested-alleged-abduction-malaysian-businessman/ |access-date=20 February 2021 |work=Jakarta Globe |date=27 July 2015}}</ref>

==Equipment==

=== Small arms ===
{{col-begin}} {{col-break}}
* [[Accuracy International Arctic Warfare|Accuracy International AW]]<ref name="hrvatski">{{cite web|url=http://www.hrvatski-vojnik.hr/hrvatski-vojnik/1612007/ind.asp |title=Kopassus & Kopaska - Specijalne Postrojbe Republike Indonezije |language=id |publisher=Hrvatski Vojnik Magazine |access-date=18 October 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121028150425/http://www.hrvatski-vojnik.hr/hrvatski-vojnik/1612007/ind.asp |archive-date=28 October 2012 }}</ref><ref name="shadowspear">{{cite web |url=http://www.shadowspear.com/indonesia-special-operations/kopassus.html |title=Komando Pasukan Khusus (Kopassus) |date=28 January 2009 |publisher=ShadowSpear Special Operations News |access-date=18 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100211203255/http://www.shadowspear.com/indonesia-special-operations/kopassus.html |archive-date=11 February 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[AK-47]]<ref name="hrvatski"/><ref name="shadowspear"/>
* [[Benelli M3]]T<ref name="hrvatski"/><ref name="shadowspear"/>
* [[Beretta 92SB]] / [[Beretta 92F]]<ref name="hrvatski"/><ref name="shadowspear"/>
* [[Browning Hi-Power]]<ref name="hrvatski"/><ref name="shadowspear"/>
* [[Carl Gustaf 8.4cm recoilless rifle]]
* [[Colt 1911]]<ref name="hrvatski"/><ref name="shadowspear"/>
* [[Colt M16A2]]<ref name="hrvatski"/><ref name="shadowspear"/>
* [[Colt M4]]<ref name="hrvatski"/><ref name="shadowspear"/>
* [[FN Herstal]] [[FN Five-Seven|Five-Seven]]<ref name="hrvatski"/><ref name="shadowspear"/>
* [[FN Herstal]] [[FN MAG|MAG]]<ref name="hrvatski"/><ref name="shadowspear"/>
* [[FN Herstal]] [[FN Minimi|Minimi]]<ref name="hrvatski"/><ref name="shadowspear"/>
* [[FN Herstal]] [[FN P90|P90]]<ref name="hrvatski"/><ref name="shadowspear"/>
* [[Franchi SPAS-12]]<ref name="hrvatski"/><ref name="shadowspear"/>
* [[Glock 19]]<ref name="hrvatski"/><ref name="shadowspear"/>
* [[Heckler & Koch]] [[HK G3|G3]]<ref name="hrvatski"/><ref name="shadowspear"/>
* [[Heckler & Koch]] [[HK G36|G36]]<ref name="hrvatski"/><ref name="shadowspear"/>
{{col-break}}
* [[Heckler & Koch]] [[HK53]]<ref name="hrvatski"/><ref name="shadowspear"/>
* [[Heckler & Koch]] [[HK MK23|Mk23]]<ref name="hrvatski"/><ref name="shadowspear"/>
* [[Heckler & Koch]] [[HK MP5|MP5]]<ref name="hrvatski"/><ref name="shadowspear"/>
* [[Heckler & Koch]] [[HK 416]]
* [[Pindad SS1]]<ref name="hrvatski"/><ref name="shadowspear"/>
* [[Pindad SS2]]<ref name="hrvatski"/><ref name="shadowspear"/>
* [[Pindad SS2#SS2-V5|Pindad SS2-V5C]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jakartagreater.com/senjata-ss2-v5k-kopassus/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130920054509/http://jakartagreater.com/senjata-ss2-v5k-kopassus/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=20 September 2013 |title=Senjata SS2 V5C Kopassus |date=24 June 2012}}</ref>
* [[QBZ-95]]
* [[Remington 700]]<ref name="hrvatski"/><ref name="shadowspear"/>
* [[SIG Sauer]] [[SIG Sauer P226|P226/P228]]<ref name="hrvatski"/><ref name="shadowspear"/>
* [[SIG Sauer]] [[SG 552]]<ref name="hrvatski"/><ref name="shadowspear"/>
* [[SIG Sauer]] [[SIG SG 550|SG 550 Sniper]]<ref name="hrvatski"/><ref name="shadowspear"/>
* [[Steyr AUG]]<ref name="hrvatski"/><ref name="shadowspear"/>
* [[Uzi]]<ref name="hrvatski"/><ref name="shadowspear"/>
* [[Škorpion vz. 61]]<ref name="hrvatski"/><ref name="shadowspear"/>
* [[Walther PPK]]<ref name="hrvatski"/><ref name="shadowspear"/>
* [[TDI Vector|Kriss S.V]]
* Custom made [[Fairbairn–Sykes fighting knife]]
* [[Ultimax 100]]<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Spicijarić |first1=Igor |title=Kopassus & Kopaska - specijalne postrojbe Republike Indonezije |journal=Hrvatski Vojnik |date=November 2007 |url=http://www.hrvatski-vojnik.hr/hrvatski-vojnik/1612007/ind.asp |issue=160 |publisher=Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Croatia |location=Zagreb |language=Croatian |issn=1330-500X|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121028150425/http://www.hrvatski-vojnik.hr/hrvatski-vojnik/1612007/ind.asp |archive-date=28 October 2012}}</ref>
{{col-end}}

===Fighting vehicles===
[[File:Pindad Komodo of Yonif Raider 323.jpg|thumb|Pindad Komodo]]
* [[Casspir|Casspir MK3]]<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Spesifikasinya Tak Main-main, Inilah Tiga Rantis Canggih yang Digunakan Kopassus |url=https://bangka.tribunnews.com/2022/04/16/spesifikasinya-tak-main-main-inilah-tiga-rantis-canggih-yang-digunakan-kopassus |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=Bangkapos.com |language=id-ID}}</ref>
* [[Pindad Komodo]]<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2015-04-16 |title=5 Kendaraan tempur andalan Kopassus, ada yang buatan Indonesia |url=https://www.merdeka.com/peristiwa/5-kendaraan-tempur-andalan-kopassus-ada-yang-buatan-indonesia.html |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=merdeka.com |language=id}}</ref>
* [[Bushmaster IMV|Bushmaster]]<ref name=":1" />
* [[Land Rover Defender]]
* [[Jankel|Jankel Al-Thalab]]
* [[P6 ATAV]]<ref name=":0" />
* [[Mamba APC]]
* [[First Win]]
* [[OKA 4wd]]
* [[Light Strike Vehicle (Singapore)]]
* [[Bandvagn 206]]
*   SSE P1 PAKCI

==Notable members==
Throughout its history, many Kopassus members are notable (remarkable, significant, distinguish, or unusual enough to deserve attention or to be remembered) during their military career and/or become Indonesian government officials who not only take care of government affairs, but also help create many important decisions in Indonesia.

* [[Alexander Evert Kawilarang]] - Founding father of Kopassus
* [[Moch. Idjon Djanbi|Mochammad Idjon Djanbi]] - 1st Kopassus Commander
*[[Feisal Tanjung]] - Former [[Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces]] and Former [[Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (Indonesia)|Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs]].
* [[Sarwo Edhie Wibowo]] - 5th Kopassus Commander
* [[Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin]] - Defense Minister in Prabowo Subianto government 
* [[Moerdani|LB Moerdani]] - Former [[Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces]] and former Minister of Defence.
* [[Mung Parhadi Mulyo]] <small>([[:id:Mung Parahadimulyo|id]])</small> - 4th Kopassus Commander
* [[Yogie SM]] <small>([[:id:Yogie Suardi Memet|id]])</small> - Former [[Ministry of Home Affairs (Indonesia)|Minister of Home Affairs]] and Governor of [[West Java]] 
* [[Wismoyo Arismunandar]] - Former [[Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army|Chief of Staff of the Army]]
* [[Agum Gumelar]] - Politician, former [[Ministry of Transportation (Indonesia)|Minister of Transportation]], former [[Ministry of Defence (Indonesia)|Minister of Defence]] and former Head of [[Football Association of Indonesia]]
* [[Prabowo Subianto]] - Politician, Defense Minister in Joko Widodo's government since 2019, Indonesian eight president 
*[[Sutiyoso]] - Politician, former [[Governor of Jakarta]] and head of [[State Intelligence Agency (Indonesia)|Indonesian State Intelligence Agency]]
*[[Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan]] - Founder and First Commander of Detachment 81 (now Sat-81/Gultor) Counter-terrorism unit of KOPASSUS; Politician, Indonesian Ambassador of Singapore (1999 – 2000), Minister of Industry and Trade (2000 – 2001), Presidential Chief of Staff (2014 – 2015), Coordinating Minister of Political and Security Affairs (2015 – 2016), Acting Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (2016 – 2016), Coordinating Minister of Maritime and Investment Affairs (2016 – 2024), Chairman of the National Economic Council of Indonesia (2024 – present).
*[[Muchdi Purwopranjono]] a politician and former major general.
*[[Abdullah Mahmud Hendropriyono]] a former general and the first head of [[State Intelligence Agency (Indonesia)|Indonesian State Intelligence Agency]] (BIN), and was general chairman of the [[Indonesian Justice and Unity Party]] (PKPI).
*Hartomo  <small>([[:id:Hartomo|id]])</small> former major general and the former head of Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS)
*[[Hinsa Siburian]] served as Chief of [[National Cyber and Crypto Agency]]
*[[I Gusti Putu Danny Nugraha Karya]] served as the Head of Papua Regional State Intelligence Agency until his death in combat during a military operation in April 2021.

==In popular culture==
*[[Pengkhianatan G30S/PKI]], A 1984 Indonesian [[docudrama]] written and directed by [[Arifin C. Noer]], produced by [[Gufran Dwipayana|G. Dwipayana]], and starring [[Amoroso Katamsi]], [[Umar Kayam]], and Syubah Asa. The film was based on an official history of the [[30&nbsp;September Movement]] ({{lang|id|Gerakan 30 September}}, or G30S) [[Coup d'état|coup]] in 1965 written by [[Nugroho Notosusanto]] and [[Ismail Saleh]], which depicted the coup as being orchestrated by the [[Communist Party of Indonesia]] ({{lang|id|Partai Komunis Indonesia}}, or PKI).<ref>{{IMDb title|qid=Q1970632|title=Pengkhianatan G30S/PKI}}</ref>
*Merah Putih Memanggil,  A 2017 Indonesian movie directed by Mirwan Suwarso and starring Maruli Tumpubolon. The film depicted hostage rescue situation.<ref>{{IMDb title|qid=Q63614980|title=Merah Putih Memanggil}}</ref>
*Patriot, mini-series in [[NET (Indonesian TV network)|Net TV]] in 2016 starring Rizky Hanggono about a group commando liberation village.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Representasi Tentara dan Relasi Sipil-Militer Dalam Serial Patriot|trans-title=The Representation of Army and Civil-Military Relations In Patriot Series|url=https://www.academia.edu/36070185|first=Hary Ganjar|last=Budiman|pages=115–130|volume=10|issue=1|date=March 2018|journal=Jurnal Patanjala|doi=10.30959/patanjala.v10i1.332|doi-broken-date=13 June 2025 |language=id|doi-access=free}}</ref>
*[[Balibo (film)|Balibo]], an Australian film dedicated to [[Roger East (journalist)|Roger East]] and [[Balibo Five]] shows this unit as the ones murdering the Five and executing Roger East.

==See also==
*[[Kopaska]]
*[[Kopasgat]]
*[[Garda Muda Penegak Integrasi]], an Indonesian paramilitary group

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
{{refbegin}}
*{{cite book |title=59th Kopassus : mengabdi untuk NKRI |trans-title=59th Kopassus : served the Republic of Indonesia|date=2013 |publisher=Dinas Sejarah Angkatan Darat [Army History Service] |location=Bandung |isbn=9786027846050 |language=Indonesian}}
*{{cite book |last1=Conboy |first1=Ken |title=Kopassus : Inside Indonesia's Special Forces |date=2003 |publisher=Equinox Publishing |location=Jakarta |isbn=9799589886}}
*{{cite book |last1=Santosa |first1=Iwan |last2=Natanegara|first2=E.A.|title=Kopassus untuk Indonesia |trans-title=Kopassus for Indonesia|year=2013 |orig-year=2009|publisher=Red & White Publishing |location=Jakarta |isbn=9789791008297 |edition=Revised |language=Indonesian}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
* [http://www.kopassus.mil.id/ Kopassus official website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100208224535/http://www.kopassus.mil.id/ |date=8 February 2010 }}
* {{in lang|id}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20060423053732/http://www.mabesad.mil.id/kotama/pasus.htm Mabes TNI-AD: Kopassus]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20050413013437/http://www.specialoperations.com/Foreign/Indonesia/Overview.htm Specialoperations.com report]
* [http://www.specwarnet.com/oceana/kopassus.htm Specwarnet.com report]
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/indonesia/kopassus.htm Globalsecurity.org report]
* [http://www.asiapac.org.fj/PJR/issues/next/2000kopassus.html "South African mercenaries helped KOPASSUS", by Peter Cronau, Pacific Journalism Review]
* [http://www.etan.org/news/2008/04brikop.htm Background on Kopassus and Brimob]
* [http://www.democracynow.org/2010/3/19/exclusiveindonesian_forces_tapped_by_obama_for Indonesian Forces Tapped by Obama for Renewed US Aid Implicated in New Assassinations] - video report by ''[[Democracy Now!]]''
* [http://vk.com/album-30272167_149109153 Photos]

{{Indonesian Army}}
{{Military of Indonesia}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Army units and formations of Indonesia]]
[[Category:Special forces of Indonesia]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1952]]
[[Category:Airborne units and formations]]
[[Category:Special forces units and formations]]