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| Detachment 88 (Indonesia) | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | Detachment 88 |
| Native name | Detasemen Khusus 88 |
| Caption | Emblem |
| Dates | 2003–present |
| Country | Indonesia |
| Branch | Indonesian National Police |
| Type | Counter-terrorism unit |
| Size | classified |
| Garrison | Cibubur |
| Nickname | Densus 88 |
| Battles | 2002 Bali bombings aftermath, 2004 Australian Embassy bombing response, 2005 Jakarta bombings investigations |
Detachment 88 (Indonesia) is an Indonesian counter-terrorism unit formed after the 2002 Bali bombings to combat Jemaah Islamiyah, Al-Qaeda-linked cells, and other violent extremism networks. Sponsored initially by the United States and supported by partners such as Australia, the unit operates under the Indonesian National Police with a mandate for intelligence, investigative, and paramilitary action. Detachment 88 has been central to major counterterrorism successes against figures linked to Noordin Mohammad Top, Abu Bakar Bashir, and Riziek Shihab, while also drawing scrutiny from Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and domestic advocates over alleged abuses.
Detachment 88 was established in the wake of the 2002 Bali bombings amid cooperation with the United States Department of State, Central Intelligence Agency, and the Australian Federal Police to strengthen capacity against Jemaah Islamiyah and transnational terrorism. Early years saw operations targeting leaders like Abu Dujana (Jemaah Islamiyah), Noordin Mohammad Top, and networks linked to Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and Al-Qaeda. The unit expanded roles during events such as the 2004 Jakarta embassy bombing, the 2005 Bali bombings (2005), and subsequent plots involving Laskar Jihad-affiliated cells. Throughout the 2010s and 2020s Detachment 88 engaged in actions against groups influenced by Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and coordinated with agencies including Interpol, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and regional partners like Malaysia and Singapore.
Detachment 88 is structured within the Indonesian National Police framework and combines elements drawn from the Mobile Brigade Corps, police intelligence directorates, and specialized investigators. Its hierarchy includes operational commands, intelligence analysis sections, and tactical units trained for hostage rescue, close quarters battle, and arrest operations. Liaison roles connect to the State Intelligence Agency (BIN), Indonesian Military (TNI), and international counterparts such as the FBI and Australian Security Intelligence Organisation. The unit's legal authority derives from police statutes and counterterrorism regulations enacted following the 2003 Indonesian Anti-Terrorism Law, integrating with prosecution offices like the Attorney General of Indonesia for indictments and trials in courts including the High Court of Jakarta.
Recruitment into Detachment 88 selects personnel from the Indonesian National Police, particularly from the Brimob, with candidates undergoing intensive vetting, psychological assessment, and background checks coordinated with agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security and foreign training partners. Training curricula have incorporated instruction from the FBI Hostage Rescue Team, Australian Federal Police, and US Army Special Forces, covering explosives disposal, digital forensics, surveillance, and interrogation techniques. Courses take place at facilities in Cibubur and through regional exchanges with units like Singapore Police Force's Special Operations Command and Malaysia's Pasukan Gerakan Khas.
Detachment 88 has conducted high-profile raids, arrests, and disruption efforts against suspects linked to Jemaah Islamiyah, Noordin Mohammad Top, Ibrahm al-Bakri-type networks, and Islamic State sympathizers. Notable actions include dismantling bomb-making cells responsible for the 2005 tentara-era plots, the capture of facilitators associated with the 2009 Jakarta bombings suspects, and operations leading to lethal confrontations in provinces such as Central Sulawesi, Papuа, and Aceh. Joint investigations with the Australian Federal Police and Singapore Police Force traced cross-border financing and travel routes, while cooperation with Interpol enabled international arrest warrants and extraditions. The unit also contributed to protective measures during state visits by figures like Barack Obama and Tony Abbott.
Detachment 88 employs a range of small arms, tactical gear, and technical equipment sourced from domestic suppliers and international partners including the United States and Australia. Standard issue includes pistols and rifles comparable to types used by the Mobile Brigade Corps and Western special forces, while specialized teams use explosives ordnance disposal kits, surveillance technology, and digital forensics toolkits. Tactics emphasize intelligence-driven raids, close quarters battle, and coordinated arrests with support from aviation assets like helicopters operated by the Indonesian Air Force when required. Forensics and evidence handling protocols align with practices advocated by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and forensic experts from partner nations.
Detachment 88 operates under the legal architecture established by Indonesian counterterrorism legislation, notably the 2003 Indonesian Anti-Terrorism Law and subsequent amendments, with prosecutorial oversight from the Attorney General of Indonesia and judicial review in domestic courts. Oversight mechanisms involve internal police inspectorates, parliamentary committees such as the Commission I overseeing defense and security, and interagency coordination with the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (Indonesia). International partnerships require data-sharing agreements consistent with protocols from bodies like Interpol and bilateral memoranda with the United States Department of State and Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Detachment 88 has been criticized by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Indonesian civil society organizations including the Komnas HAM for allegations of unlawful killings, arbitrary arrests, and torture in custody. High-profile contested incidents involved deaths during raids in regions like Papuа and contested detentions linked to extremist suspects in Central Sulawesi. Critics cite concerns over transparency, use of lethal force, and adequacy of judicial review, while supporters point to convictions of militants in trials at the Jakarta District Court and reductions in large-scale bombings. Debates continue over balancing counterterrorism effectiveness with compliance with international human rights instruments and domestic oversight standards.
Category:Law enforcement in Indonesia Category:Counterterrorism units