Paspampres
Paspampres or Pasukan Pengamanan Presiden is the name of the Indonesian Presidential Security Forces. Its headquarters is in Jakarta.[1]
History
The formation date of President Security Forces (Paspampres) is based on the rescue of President Sukarno, Vice President Mohammad Hatta, Prime Minister Sutan Syahrir as well as several ministers and high-ranking officials from Jakarta to Yogyakarta on January 3, 1946. This operation was based on the safety concerns of the President and VP about allied forces intimidation in Jakarta. The rescue operation was conducted using the Special Railway Train. This date was commemorated as Hari Bhakti Paspampres or Paspampres Service Day.
The formation of a formal force dedicated to protect the Indonesian president only came after several assassination attempts on President Sukarno. On June 6, 1962 a special regiment, Resimen Tjakrabirawa, was formed to protect the president and his family. June 6 is also the birthday of President Sukarno. Tjakrabirawa consisted of personnel from the army, navy, air force and police. In 1966, Resimen Tjakrabirawa was dissolved and the job to protect the president was transferred to a military police special task force.
On January 13, 1976, a new organization of presidential protection force was formed with the name Paswalpres (Pasukan Pengawal Presiden), under the command of the Minister of Defence and Security/Commander of the Armed Forces. This force was renamed Paspampres at 1990s.
Structure
The Security Operation team of Paspampres currently consists of three groups: A, B, and C. Groups A and B are responsible for securing President and Vice President respectively.[1] Group C is responsible for securing any visiting foreign Head of State in Indonesia.[1] Today, Paspampres has the strength of about 2,500 personnel. Paspampres is headed by a two-star military general officer, while each of the groups is commanded by a colonel. A 4th group, Group D, was raised in 2014.
Recruitment
Paspampres personnel are recruited and selected from all branches of the Indonesian military.[1] The recruits are selected from the best soldiers of each force in all forces, usually they are selected among Indonesian Special Forces soldiers (Kopassus, Paskhas, Kopaska or Denjaka) and Indonesian Marines (Marinir). Each individual gets rigorous military training (sharp shooting, tactical combat, diving) and at least two martial arts, such as Yong Moodo, Pencak Silat, Mixed Martial Arts, Aikido. All Paspampres members are black belts at least in one of the martial arts, and currently are the second winners in World Yong Moodo Championship after Korea. In sharp shooting, they have to respond very quickly in any situation and able to shoot accurately one shot one kill. Paspampres soldiers must carry out their duties with a high level of vigilance against any possible threat. Mentally they have to be very loyal to the country, even by sacrificing their own life.[2]
Tasks
Currently, the main tasks of Paspamres are:
- Provide protection to VVIP and to ensure the safety of the VVIP of any immediate danger.
- To secure installations which include security personnel, material, and all facilities used in the VVIP.
- To perform emergency rescue to VVIP, in order to protect and save the lives of a VVIP of threats that are likely to occur at any time.
- To perform direct security in near distance from all forms of threats to the VVIP while traveling.
- To ensure the safety of the food and medically-related materials consumed by VVIP from the dangers that can arise through foods, beverages, pharmaceuticals and other objects.
- To hold a special protocol that includes ceremonial musical accompaniment at state ceremonies.