Denjaka

Detachment Jala Mangkara
DENJAKA unit during anti-terrorism exercise
Active	1984 – present
Country	Indonesia
Branch	Indonesian Navy
Type	Special Forces
Role	Special operations Counter-terrorism
Size	One detachment
Garrison/HQ	Western Fleet Command Headquarters (KOARMABAR), Jakarta
Motto(s)	Satya Wira Dharma
Colours	Purple Beret
Anniversaries	31 Years
Commanders
Current commander	Supriyono, S.E.
Notable commanders	Budi Purnama Nur Alamsyah

The Detachment Jala Mangkara (English: Detachment of Deadly Ocean) or Denjaka is an elite special operations forces of the Indonesian Navy. It is a combined detachment formed from selected personnel of the Navy's Frogmen Unit (KOPASKA) and the Marine Corps' Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion (Batalyon Intai Amfibi/Yontaifib).

The unit was formed in 1984 by the Chief of the Indonesian Armed Forces to counter maritime strategic threats including terrorism and sabotage. Despite the specific reason for its formation, as in the case of any other special operations forces around the world, the detachment is also fully trained in conducting reconnaissance, unconventional warfare, and clandestine behind-enemy-lines operations.

History

On 4 November 1982, the Navy chief of staff issued a decree (No. Skep/2848/XI/1982) forming a task force called "Naval Special Forces (Pasusla)" to fulfill the need for a maritime special operations forces capable of countering terrorism and sabotage. In the initial phase, 70 personnel from the Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion and Underwater Special Unit (or Navy frogmen) were recruited to form Pasusla. Training for this new unit was under the command of the Western Fleet commander with assistance from the commandant of the Marine Corps, while the Navy chief of staff acted as the operational commander of Pasusla. The unit was based at Western Fleet Command Headquarters, Jakarta.

Denjaka seamans during training

Upon further development of this unit, on 13 November 1984, the Navy chief of staff requested the chief of the Indonesian armed forces to form Denjaka, which was approved and, through the issuance of an approval letter (No. R/39/08/9/2/SPN), Pasusla changed into Denjaka and was designated as a Naval counter-terrorism detachment.

Mission

Denjaka's primary task is to develop anti-terrorism, anti-sabotage and other clandestine operations capabilities in support of maritime counter-terrorism, counter-sabotage and other special operations as directed by the chief of the armed forces.

Organisational structure

According to the directive of the Navy chief of staff, Denjaka is a Marine Corps task force under the Indonesian Navy, with the commandant of the Marine Corps holding responsibilities for general training, while specific training falls under the responsibilities of the chief of Armed Forces Strategic Intelligence Agency. Operational command falls directly under the chief of the armed forces.

Denjaka consists of one detachment headquarters, one command element, one engineering element and three combat elements.

Recruitments and training

Denjaka's recruitment process begins after the conclusion of para and commando training. Prior to enrolling in Denjaka training, the applicant must possess amphibious reconnaissance qualifications.

Commandants of the Denjaka

Equipment

• Handgun : SIG Sauer P226, Glock 17, Glock 19, Pindad P2, H&K P7M13, H&K P7M8, H&K P9, H&K P30
• Shotgun : HK512, Benelli M4 Super 90
• Submachine gun : H&K MP5, H&K MP5SD, H&K MP5K, Daewoo K-7, IWI Uzi,
• Assault rifle : AK-103 & AK-104, AK-12, Pindad SS-1, Pindad SS2, H&K HK53, H&K G36K & G36C, H&K HK416 Carbine & commando, CZ-58, Steyr AUG A2, SIG SG 551 & SIG SG 552
• Sniper rifle : Pindad SPR-1, SIG SSG-3000, SIG SG 550 Sniper, PGM Hécate II, AI AWP, Mechem NTW
• Machine gun : FN Minimi, Daewoo K-3, Saco M-60, FN MAG

References

• TNI-AL