Tjakrabirawa Regiment

The Tjakrabirawa Regiment was the crack presidential bodyguard unit of former Indonesian President Sukarno. The group was disbanded in 1966 during the upheavals of the transition to the New Order.

It was formed by President Sukarno after several murder attempt by local terrorists to the Head of State. An elite force, its personnel were taken from every military service, including Army's KOSTRAD, Marine Corps (KKO), Air Force's Rapid Action Force (PGT) and National Police's Mobile Brigade (BRIMOB). The first commander and vice commander were Brigadier General M.Sabur and Colonel Maulwi Saelan. President Sukarno gave the name "Tjakrabirawa" like Prabu Kresna's fictional sacred weapon in 'wayang' mythology. The Regiment took a golden "Cakra" in a dark red pentagonal field as its badge and a brick red beret for its headgear.

On 30 September 1965, Lieutenant Colonel Untung from the Regiment's Honor Guard Detachment led the infamous 30 September Movement which eventually led to the liquidation of the Regiment. Its personnel then were returned to their respective services. Presidential guard functions were subsequently taken over by the Military Police. Subsequently, the Presidential Security Force ("Pasukan Pengamanan Presiden") was formed by New Order Government and is still responsible for presidential protection.