Indonesia

Republic of Indonesia

Indonesia has a long and varied history of military camouflage use that can be traced as far back as the Second World War, at which time the country was still a colonial possession of the Netherlands. Immediately following the war, the Dutch Army received surplus stocks of USA reversible M1942 spot pattern camouflage fabric and uniforms. Many of these surplus stocks ended up in the hands of the new Indonesian Armed Forces when they established their independence in 1949. Since the 1960s, however, Indonesia has built a thriving textile and garment industry, and produced some of the worlds most interesting camouflage patterns. Many of these patterns have seen service with elite units of the Indonesian Armed Forces, but a number of them are also associated with paramilitary political groups that arose in the mid-1990s to support the Suharto regime.

The Indonesian term for camouflage is Loreng, so you will usually find that word accompanying the description of most camouflage patterns in any references you find.

Indonesian Military Camouflage Patterns

• Much of the surplus US M1942 reversible HBT camouflage fabric originally given to the Dutch after WW2 ended up being turned over to the newly independent Indonesian government in 1950. This original fabric was manufactured into jumpsuits worn by the Air Force Pasukan Gerak Tjepat (PGT), as well as the Army's Resimen Parakomando Angkatan Darat (RPKAD) or Special Forces, and airborne elements. These uniforms saw service between 1954 and 1960 and were worn almost exclusively with the green side out.

• Beginning in 1960, locally-made copies of the original M1942 camouflage fabric had begun to emerge. The fabrics were generally lighter weight than the American-made version, and printed using slightly different dyes. In service with special units such as the PGT and RPKAD through the mid-1960s, the uniforms also were worn by some Infantry units into the 1970s. Shown below are two different fabric types, a lightweight HBT and a thinner cotton poplin.

• In 1962, visiting freefall parachute instructors from Yugoslavia presented the graduating class of Indonesian students with specially-made two-piece camouflage freefall uniforms made from the standard Yugoslavian "mountain suit" camouflage pattern fabric.

• Introduced in 1964, the Loreng Darah Mangalir ("flowing blood") pattern was originally intended to be a copy of the WW2 era British Denison brushstroke camouflage for issue to the RPKAD (Army Special Forces). However, an error at the original manufacturing plant resulted in the vertical, vine-like stripes that characterize this unique pattern. The original version illustrated below, with some variation in color and type of fabric, saw service between 1964 and 1986 (at which time the entire Armed Forces were outfitted in a copy of British DPM). The second pattern shown was revived for issue to KOPASSUS (Army Special Forces) in 1995 but in a slightly varied design. This is currently worn for ceremonial & training purposes only.

• Crude copies of the British brushstroke Denison smock were worn for a brief period by the Indonesian Army Special Forces (RPKAD) and by the Combined Airborne Training Command (KOGABDIKPARA) from around 1962 until 1964. These were produced in Hong Kong, and were apparently labeled "Depison" smocks. The dyes used to print the pattern were very dark, making it difficult to differentiate the brushstroke design except at close view.

• The Combined Airborne Training Command (KOGABDIKPARA) briefly wore a locally-produced copy of the French lizard pattern from 1964 to 1966.

photo needed

• Also worn briefly by the Combined Airborne Training Command (KOGABDIKPARA) - concurrent with the French lizard pattern - was a one-piece tiger stripe camouflage pattern coverall, made in Thailand.

• The 454 Airborne Brigade wore an Indian-made copy of the British Denison smock from 1964 until the 1970s. It was also worn by the 18 Airborne Brigade from 1968 onwards.

• A brushstroke camouflage pattern, reminiscent of the British Denison pattern of WW2, was introduced for use by the KKO (Korps Komando Angkatan Laut) or Marine Commando Corps in 1965 and continued in service variously through the 1970s. It was later revived for use ceremonially and in training in the 1990s and continues to be worn today. The photographs below illustrate an early (1970s) and current (2004-present) version of the pattern:

• Illustrated below is an example of the Army Jakarta Military Region (KODAM Jaya) Raider Battalion "lime brushstroke" pattern from the 1970s. This pattern was only printed on shirts and wide-brimmed jungle hats. Circa 2012, the pattern was re-introduced for members of this unit, updated on modern fabrics and issued as a two-piece uniform.

• The Army Siliwangi Division (KODAM Siliwangi) were also issued their own distinctive camouflage design, issued only as a shirt. Incorporating dark green, brick red and brown shapes with brushstroke-like trails on a khaki background, the pattern also features the outline of a large kujang (native weapon of West Java region) in ochre incorporated into the design.

• A geometrical camouflage pattern was introduced for the Air Force KOPASGAT (Komando Pasukan Gerak Cepat) special operations unit beginning in 1967. The unique pattern consists of jagged spots of reddish-brown, pinkish-brown, ochre and green on a sea-green background and was worn by this unit until around 1976. As with many of the Indonesian camouflage designs from this period, the pattern was retired and never revived

• Also introduced for wear by KOPASGAT in 1969 (initially only as airborne parachutist smock) is the vertical stripe pattern seen here. This pattern saw service with the unit through the 1970s, was dropped in 1980 but again revived for service with KOPASGAT between 1983 and 1984. Although the unit has been obligated to adopt the standard DPM pattern for operational purposes (as the rest of the Armed Forces) since 1984, a revised version of the old vertical stripe pattern has been worn ceremonially since the 1990s (and officially since 2000).

• Cavalry units of the Strategic Reserve for a short period in the late 1960s wore an interesting splinter camouflage pattern, derivative of the original WW2 German design.

• A version of the USMC Standard or "wine leaf" pattern was introduced for use by the Airborne elements of the Army's KOSTRAD (Komando Cadangan Strategis Angkatan Darat) in 1975 and worn for several years. It appears the pattern was reintroduced during 1990s for ceremonial purposes only, albeit in a darker color scheme.

• A "vertical stripe" pattern was designed by Colonel M. Sanif (former commander of 17 Airborne Brigade) and submitted in 1976 for consideration as a camouflage pattern for KOSTRAD. Initially rejected, a few years later uniforms in this pattern were issued to all qualified graduates of the Raider Course from 1980-1983. Illustrated below are a couple different color variations of this pattern; the design incorporating black was reputedly issued only to the Korps Marinir. This patter was quickly discontinued and has never been revived.

• Between 1977 and 1979 the Tanjungpura Military Region (covering West Kalimantan) issued a unique vertical stripe pattern in brown and green with spotty details.

• A spot camouflage pattern, influenced by the WW2 era USA M1942 jungle camouflage, was introduced for service with the Korps Marinir (Marine Corps) and worn between 1983 and 1984. The pattern, known locally as Macan Tutul (leopard), is actually similar to that developed by the Dutch Army in the 1950s, although the spots are somewhat larger in size. This was recently (2011) re-adopted for use by some units of the Korps Marinir.

• In 1984, Indonesian Army General Benny Moerdani ordered the entire Armed Forces to standardize to a British style DPM pattern camouflage, rendering all previous military patterns obsolete. The TNI-AD (Indonesian Army) DPM pattern seen here in the first photograph, remains the standard operational camouflage uniform. A version worn by the Air Force (TNI-AU) is seen to the right.

• The Anti-Riot Troops of the Indonesian Army, Pasukan anti huru-hara (PHH), wear a two color camouflage patterned smock as part of their riot uniform. The pattern is essentially large black blotches on a field of medium brown.

• The ten graduating Raider Battalions in December 2003 were issued a pixelated version of the standard DPM camouflage pattern. A second print run of this pattern had the Raider logo embedded into the design. It was never re-issued.

• Since 2006, the Navy Komando Pasukan Katak or KOPASKA (Special Operations) have been wearing their own pixelated camouflage design, seen below. A second version has also appeared, utilizing lighter colors. As seen in the supplemental tile (far right), the second version has a trident or three-pronged harpoon being grasped by a frog incorporated into the pixelated design.

• Circa 2010, the DPM camouflage pattern seen here has been issued to Indonesian military personnel serving in United Nations deployments, particularly personnel deployed to Lebanon (UNIFIL). With a scaling back of deployments to that region, use of this pattern has fallen off and is likely to discontinue. Careful examination reveals the silhouette of a mosquito embedded into the design!

• Around the middle of 2011, the Indonesian Navy adopted a new camouflage design for ship crews. The design is known locally as Doreng Layar, or "sailing camouflage." It is interesting to note that the design incorporates the silhouette of a naval vessel into the pattern. At least two shade variances are known, a light and a dark. Whether the darker version is later or was simply a product of a different textile contract is unknown.

• A second series of the Macan Tutul Marinir (Marine Corps Leopard) pattern camouflage was adopted in 2011, incorporating both a color and fabric (ripstop) change. As with most other units that re-adopted previously issued camouflage patterns, these are worn primarily at public events, formations and training opportunities, but not on operations.

• In 2012, the Brigif Lintas Udara 17 (17th Airborne Infantry Brigade) adopted its own pixelated design, based on that of the Navy Kopaska. Known as Loreng Linud (Airborne Camouflage), the pattern incorporates black, mud brown, foliage green and lichen green colors; the only real difference between this and the Kopaska pattern is that an airborne wing has replaced the trident design that was part of the original pattern. Since its initial appearance the pattern appears to have been distributed to all Airborne Brigades of the Indonesian Army.

• Circa 2012, plans were underway to replace the long-standing DPM pattern general issue camouflage with a pixelated design for the Army. The pattern tested was developed by then former Army Chief-of-Staff and was similar to that briefly issued to the Raider Battalions, but with some changes both to the design and the style of uniform. This camouflage design, referred to in working parlance as NKRI (for Unitary State of Indonesia), was initially trialed by Army officers and later to some enlisted ranks, but since the Chief-of-Staff has retired it has failed to gain favour with new officers and may not replace the DPM pattern after all.

• The Indonesian Air Force (Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan Udara) or TNI-AU has adopted a pixelated camouflage design utilizing black, grey, off-white, blue-grey and medium blue. It also incorporates (non-pixelated) images of aircraft into the pattern. This design will replace the previously issued standard DPM pattern for Air Force personnel, officially beginning on 5 October 2015, to mark the service's anniversary.

• Around the middle of 2016, submarine crews of the Indonesian Navy were issued their own distinctive camouflage design, loosely based on the generic Navy pattern but incorporating images of submarines instead of regular navy ships. The colors are also a bit more vibrant, consisting of dark blue and mid-blue on a pale blue background.

• The Eastern Fleet Rescue Service or DISLAMBAIR (Dinas Penyelamatan Bawah Air) of the Indonesian Navy briefly adopted a vertically striped dark blue camouflage design before scrapping this in favor of a green and black dominant, pixelated design. Both patterns are shown below.

• Formed in July 2019, the Komando Operasi Khusus or KOOPSUS (Special Operations Command) of the National Armed Forces is a combined special operations unit specializing in counter-terrorism. The unit includes elements of the Army Kopassus, Denjaka of the Indonesian Navy, and Bravo Detachment 90 of the Indonesian Air force. Soon after the unit was formed, a pixelated camouflage design was adopted. Similar to the previously tested designs for the Raider Battalions and NKRI, and utilizing a colour palette found previously in the Armed Forces DPM design, the new pattern is nevertheless unique to KOOPSUS and is manufactured specifically for that unit.

• Within the Army KOPASSUS (Special Forces Command), SAT-81/Gultor (aka Satgultor-81) or Group 5 is a specialized unit devoted to counter-terrorism operations. In late 2019, it was announced the unit would be issued its own, distinctive camouflage pattern designed by Fairy Suryana in 2011 and produced by PT Industri Taktis Nusantara. Known as SAMAR, the pattern incorporates variegated patches of medium brown, dark brown, charcoal, dark olive, and sand on a moss green background, the design is unique to Group 5 and is unlikely to reach other units.

• The Koopsus (Special Operations Command) of the Armed Forces adopted a new, non-pixelated camouflage design in mid-2020, having same shapes of the Army Kopassus unit's traditional "blood vines" pattern, but utilizing a color palette mirroring that of the regular Armed Forces DPM.

• Also adopted for use by the SAT-81/Gultor unit of the Army Special Forces Command, a locally-produced "black Multicam" pattern is also being fielded. Photos emerged in 2022, but the use of this pattern may predate this.

• In March 2022 the Chief of Staff of the Army announced that a new camouflage design would be adopted by the Indonesian Army. This design, also heavily influenced by Multicam or - more specifically - the American OCP or "Scorpion" pattern, continues to incorporate the color palette that originated with Indonesian DPM, and featuring bright forest green, light olive, chocolate brown, khaki-tan, and black, on a sandy beige colored background. The design is already being referred to colloquially as IndoCam.

Indonesian Police Camouflage Patterns

• Prior to 1965, the Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob), being considered an "elite" unit as well as a part of the Armed Forces, made use of the same spot patterns that were issued to other special units at the time. The locally-made versions were heavily influenced by original US-made M1942 camouflage, which was supplied to Indonesia via the Netherlands when that nation granted independence to its former colony.

• From 1967-69, the 32 Airborne Battalion - part of the Brimob - wore its own brushstroke pattern variation jacket.

• Another specialized unit of the BRIMOB, the Resimen Pelopor or Ranger Regiment adopted a brushstroke-type camouflage design in the mid/late-1960s as a jacket only. The three-color pattern features very short brushstrokes, almost dapple-like in their application, although the width of the stripes is large like the British originals.

• At least one additional version of the spot pattern saw use by Brimob units during the 1990s. Several photographs exist showing members of Brimob wearing these patterns during a demonstration of hand-to-hand combat from that time period. There is some speculation that instructors at the Brimob school at Watukosek wore the patterns. The design was also worn by a contingent of Brimob serving in Timor-Leste immediately following the independence referendum.

• The National Police Resimen Pelopor (MENPOR) - a Special Operations/Ranger unit - was initially issued a vertical stripe camouflage pattern of their own in 1966. The version of this pattern show here is a recent one, worn ceremonially since 2000.

• In February 2014, the elite Gegana unit of the Indonesian Police Mobile Brigade Corps began wearing a green-dominant camouflage pattern at least partially influenced by Multicam, although with a number of distinctive features that suggest it is not simply a copy. The six-color design features three shades of green, a medium brown, and a very dark chocolate brown or black color, as well as a sand-colored base. This design is also being fielded by the Detasemen Khusus 88 Antiteror or DENSUS 88 antiterrorist unit of the Indonesian Police.

• The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (Kementerian Kelautan dan Perikanan, or KKP) adopted a distinctive camouflage design of its own in late 2019, consisting of large black and dark green blobs with smaller dots on a khaki background.

Indonesian Civilian Organizations and Political Parties

• The Indonesian national scouting organization is known as the Gerakan Pramuka (Pramuka is from praja muda karana, meaning "young people willing to work"). They wear a unique camouflage pattern incorporating the coconut bud into the design, this being the symbol of this organization.

• Angkatan Muda Partai Golkar (AMPG), or Golkar Youth Wing, Yellow-Green Pools camouflage design. This was worn until approximately 2011.

• Angkatan Muda Partai Golkar (AMPG) current yellow/green/black tigers stripe pattern.

• Angkatan Muda Pembaharuan Indonesia (AMPI) Blue Purple DPM

• Baladhika Karya red/black stripe pattern

• Banser is the paramilitary wing of the Nahdlatul Ulama (the largest Islamic organization in the country), and wears the ERDL-type camouflage pattern seen here, oriented vertically.

• Forum Komunikasi Putra-Putri Purnawirawan (FKPPI) - Old Pattern

• Forum Komunikasi Putra-Putri Purnawirawan (FKPPI) - current Pattern

• Gerakan Karya Justitia Indonesia (GKJI) is a nationalist organization and wears the pattern seen here, incorporating images of wildlife (including species not even found in Asia!)

• Gerakan Pemudah KaBah (GPK)

• Gotong Royong Family Consultation Party (MKGR)

• Partai Demokrasi Indonesia (PDI)

• Partai Golongan Karya (PGK) Blue Yellow DPM

• Partai Persatuan Pembangunan (PPP) - old version

• Partai Persatuan Pembangunan (PPP) - current version

• Pemuda Panca Marga - old version

• Pemuda Panca Marga - current version

• Permuda Pancasila

• Pioneer of Mass Organizations (Pormas) of the MKGR Community Organization

• Warga Jaya

• The Muslim Youth organization known as KOKAM (Komando Kesiapsiagaan Angkatan Muda Muhammadiyah) wear a variation of DPM pattern camouflage with reddish overtones, seen below.

• Formed in 2015, a cadre of civil defense supervisors (Berloreng Biru) sponsored by the Ministry of Defense appeared in public wearing a pixelated camouflage design with a blue colorway, as seen here. Although trained by the MOD, the supervisors are civilians that will help train and foster patriotism to support and defend all 45 districts and major cities throughout the Indonesian archipelago.

Notes

We wish to gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Mr. Beni Antares and Mr. Kenneth Conboy for their generous assistance in providing research and documentation for this article.