Kopassus

Komando Pasukan Khusus (Kopassus)
Army Special Forces Command

On April 15, 1952, Colonel Alex Kawilarang laid the foundation for Kesatuan Komando Tentara Territorium III/Siliwangi (Kesko TT), the early name of Kopassus. It later went through no less than five name changes, going from Kesko TT to KKAD, RPKAD, Kopasandha, and finally Kopassus. The early headquartered was in Bandung, the first generation of Kopassus was only around a hundred soldiers or one company. Due to M Idjon Djanbi the first commander of Kopassus, the unit adopted a Red Beret similar to the Dutch Special Forces (KST), which is still in use by the present Kopassus.
The Kopassus is composed of five groups with the headquarters in Cijantung, East Jakarta. A Colonel heads each group and all groups have para-commando qualified. Of note is the unusual nature of Group III, possibly also called Sandi Yudha or Combat Intelligence Group. The duties of these group specially ability to persuade people to do something, to create situations and also include attacking behind enemy lines (infiltration tactics). Group III also, reportedly, works with the Joint Intelligence Unit on interrogations, and carries out clandestine operations around the country.
The new organization is as follows:
• Group 1/Para Commando (Taktakan, Serang, Banten) with 3 battalions
• Group 2/Para Commando (Kandang Menjangan, Kartasura, Solo) with 3 batallions
• Group 3/Combat Intelligence (Cijantung, Jakarta)
• Unit-81/Counter Terror (Cijantung, Jakarta)
• Pusdikpassus / Special Forces Training Center (Batujajar, Bandung)
KOPASSUS is considered to be an elite force that operate in small size unit and famous with its quick-strike reaction. Kopassus has been involved in numerous military actions around Indonesia such as Trikora, Dwikora, Seroja and combat operations against separatist movement. This force has special qualification such as direct action, unconventional warfare, sabotage, counter-terrorism, and intelligence. Kopassus now considered as one of the best special forces units in the Pacific and Asia region with around 5.000 personnel. Every Kopassus soldier also have black FS dagger knife made by Carl Schlieper Germany.