‘Komcad’ reserve force augments Indonesia’s military capabilities
Gusty Da Costa
A reserve unit is helping the Indonesian National Armed Forces’ (TNI) active-duty troops address conventional and unconventional threats.
The Komponen Cadangan, or “Komcad,” launched in 2021. The voluntary, part-time force comprises three branches within the TNI — Land Reserve, Sea Reserve and Air Reserve — and has more than 9,000 personnel.
Komcad embodies the overall defense strategy depicted in Indonesia’s 1945 constitution, which is designed to involve all citizens in the nation’s defense, according to Indonesian Navy Rear Adm. Abdul Rivai Ras. “The reserve forces are a universal concept … to execute a layered defense strategy, [and to] enlarge and strengthen the capacity of the Indonesian National Armed Forces,” Rivai told FORUM.
At the induction of 500 personnel into Komcad’s ranks in November 2024, Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin thanked the recruits for their sacrifices. “This is proof of the awareness of defending the country as Indonesian people,” he said, according to a Defense Ministry news release.
Sjafrie also announced the establishment of the Army Reserve Command within the military district that includes Indonesia’s new capital city, Nusantara, in East Kalimantan province on the island of Borneo.
Komcad recruits undergo rigorous training to prepare for their civilian-military responsibilities, according to Indonesia’s Kompas newspaper. The three-month program includes physical conditioning, combat tactics, navigation training and survival skills.
“The reserve forces can be deployed if the country is in a state of military emergency or a state of war caused by threats such as invasion of other countries,” Rivai said.
The reserve program also addresses emerging threats, incorporating cyber defense training and the use of advanced technology, said Khairul Fahmi, co-founder of Indonesia’s Institute for Security and Strategic Studies. “New technologies, including digital-based simulations and virtual training, are being used to train reserve component [members] in more realistic and dynamic military scenarios,” Fahmi told FORUM.
Fahmi added that Komcad personnel train to integrate with active-duty forces, enabling them to participate in joint operations without major technical or coordination challenges.
Indonesia experiences frequent natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanoes. Rivai said Komcad’s expansion will strengthen and expedite the TNI’s humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, thereby freeing active-duty troops for other missions.
“Reserve forces as part of national resources need to be built, maintained and developed so that their readiness can be materialized,” he said. “The reserve force is a step to strengthen the community’s and state’s deterrence power, to be aware of any potential threats, prepare the anticipatory steps as early as possible and continue to increase the vigilance of state defense.”
Gusty Da Costa is a FORUM contributor based in Jakarta, Indonesia.
