Detasemen Khusus 88
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| Detachment 88 | |
|---|---|
| Active | 2005 - Present |
| Country | Indonesia |
| Branch | Republic of Indonesian Police (POLRI) |
| Type | Special Forces |
| Role | Domestic Counter-Terrorism and Law Enforcement |
| Size | 400 officers |
| Part of | Under control of Brigade Mobil SOF |
| Garrison/HQ | Indonesian Police Headquarters, Jakarta |
| Nickname | Delta 88, Special Detachment 88 [1] |
| Battles/wars | Attempted apprehension of Azahari Husin, 2007 Poso Raid |
| Commanders | |
| Colonel of the Regiment |
Brig. Gen. Pranowo |
Detachment 88, or Delta 88, is a nickname given to the newly anti-terror special force unit formed within Indonesian Police (Polri).
Contents |
[edit] History
According to Brig. Gen. Pranowo, the Indonesian Police Headquarter Anti-Terror Director, the number '88' is taken from the largest number of casualties suffered by a country in the Bali bombing incidents [2]. In that incident, 88 Australians lost their lives. [3]
The number '8' also represents continuity since this number does not show the beginning and the end like other numbers. The number '8' looks like police handcuffs. This symbolism reflects the determination of Detachment 88 to solve terrorism-related cases.
[edit] Training
This special unit is being funded by the US government through its State Department's Diplomatic Security Service. The unit is currently being trained in Megamendung, 50 km south of Jakarta, by CIA, FBI, and US Secret Service. Most of these instructors were ex-US special forces personnel. [2]
Detachment 88 is designed to become an anti-terrorist unit that is capable to counter various terrorist threats, from bomb threats to hostage situations. This 400-personnel strong special force is expected to be fully operative in 2005. They consist of investigators, explosive experts, and an attack unit that includes snipers.
[edit] Weaponry/Equipment
Detachment 88 is equipped with US weaponry and assault vehicles, such as Colt M-4 assault rifles, Armalite AR-10 sniper rifles, and Remington 870 shotguns. It is reported, although has not been confirmed yet, that this unit will have its own C-130 Hercules military transport airplane to increase its mobility. All the equipments, including their training materials, reportedly are exactly the same as those of US anti-terrorist units.
[edit] Recent Activity
The unit has recently been in Indonesian media after the failure to apprehend Azahari Husin was made public. Currently, they have been assisting regular police officers in conducting raids against high-risk offenders.
Detasemen Khusus 88 operators were involved in an operation in Poso, where 10 people including a polceman were killed during a gunfight during a high-risk suspect arrest operation on January 22, 2007. [4]
[edit] References
- ^ Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research's Indonesia Page. Retreived on January 29, 2007.
- ^ a b Pasukan Khusus Polri Dilatih CIA. Retrieved on January 29, 2007.
- ^ Indonesia opens anti-terror school. Retrieved on January 29, 2007.
- ^ Gunbattle with suspected militants in central Indonesia kills 10. Retrieved on January 29, 2007.
[edit] See Also
- Pasukan Gerakan Khas (PGK), Royal Malaysian Police
- Special Tasks and Rescue (STAR), South Australian Police
- Special Duties Unit (SDU), Royal Hong Kong Police
- Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), United States Capitol Police
