Excercises keep army's reserves in shape
Excercises keep army's reserves in shape
By Ridwan M. Sijabat
CILODONG, Bogor, West Java (JP): The Army's Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad), one of the service's elite forces, is constantly active, if not putting down rebellions in far flung regions, then exercising to stay in top form.
Although technically it is a reserve force, the constant activity of the green berets defies the notion of reserves troops commonly found in other countries where they are inactive and waiting for call-up anytime they are required.
The philosophy behind the constant training at Kostrad is simple: Practice makes perfect.
"The quality of the command and of its troops improves through a greater frequency of exercises," Kostrad Chief Maj. Gen. Tarub said yesterday during a dress rehearsal for the ceremony to mark the command's 34th anniversary, which is tomorrow.
"The training is focused not only on firing and self-defense, but also on how to deal with instability and disturbances in society," he said. "This demands Kostrad to be more professional in facing all situations."
Staying in shape all the time is vital because Kostrad is the Army's striking force, one that will be sent to the front line in times of trouble.
Kostrad's 27,000 personnel are divided into two divisions. One stationed here in Cilodong, and the other in Malang, East Java. The force is well equipped, trained and prepared to be sent to far flung regions to deal with any signs of trouble.
The force is divided into six brigades of infantry, tank and airborne troops, which are further divided into 33 battalions.
Kostrad has training grounds in Cilodong, Malang and in Batu Jajar in Central Java where the skills of its troops are constantly tested and sharpened.
But as Tarub pointed out, these are not the only places where the green berets get their exercise.
Kostrad is actively involved in various joint exercises at home and overseas. Kostrad has also carried the national flag in various UN peacekeeping missions.
Several Kostrad battalions are now stationed in Irian Jaya and East Timor to fight against separatist rebel groups there. "These operations are good opportunities for the troops to improve their skill and enrich their experience in battlefields."
A Kostrad airborne brigade is currently in Australia to participate in a joint exercise with Indonesia's southern neighbor. The Exercise Swift Canopy is designed to strengthen military and defense links between the two countries and pave the way for Indonesia's participation in the major annual Kangaroo military exercise conducted by Australia and its allies.
"Besides enhancing bilateral relationships, Kostrad will get many precious lessons and experience from such a joint exercise," Tarub said of Indonesia's participation in Australia's training program.
Kostrad also joined in the various Garuda military contingents that were sent to world trouble spots under the United Nations' peacekeeping missions.
They include Vietnam and the Middle East in the 1970s, the Iran and Iraq border in the 1980s, and Cambodia in the 1990s.
Last year, Kostrad sent a medical battalion to war-torn Bosnia-Herzegovina to join the UN Peace Protection Force. It also sent some of its officers to Somalia as military observers.
Tarub said Kostrad is involved in the protection of the country's vital and strategic infrastructure, including heavy industries and natural resources.
As part of its 34th anniversary, Kostrad last month organized a seminar, bringing in government and military officials and political analysts to discuss the political situation and prospects in the country. Given the constant political nourishing, it is not surprising that many former Kostrad top officers have moved on to high political posts after retiring from the force.
Kostrad's first commandant is no other than Soeharto, who led the force between 1961 and 1965. He was still in charge of the force in putting down the communist rebellion which broke out in 1965. In 1968, he became Indonesia's second president and he has remained at the helm to this day.
Kostrad earned its fearsome reputation during the campaign to gain Irian Jaya from the Netherlands in the early 1960s. The force was then commanded by Maj. Gen. Soeharto. Kostrad also took part in the campaign against Malaysia in the early 1960s.
Its reputation has continued since then, although it underwent restructuring in 1984. Although the Kostrad chief still reports to the Army Chief of Staff, his assignments come directly from the Armed Forces Chief.
Since Soeharto, there has been 17 other people in charge of the elite green beret force, most, if not all, subsequently served in higher military and government positions.
They are: Umar Wirahadikusumah (1965-1967) later became vice president; Kemal Idris (1967-1969); Wahono (1969-70 and 1971-73) now speaker of the House of Representatives; Makmun Murod (1970- 1971), Poniman (1973-1974) later defense minister; Himawan Sutanto (1974-1975); Leo Lopulisa (1975-1978); Wiyogo Atmodarminto (1978-80) later ambassador to Japan and Jakarta governor, Ismail (1980-81) later Central Java governor; Rudini (1981-83), later Army chief of staff and home affairs minister; Suweno (1983-1986), Suripto (1986-87), the current Riau governor; Sahala Rajagukguk (1987-1988) now ambassador to India; Soegito 1988-1990), Wismoyo Arismunandar (1990-1992), later Army chief of staff, Kuntara (1992-1994) and Tarub (1994-until now).