Viral Video of Security in London, Paspampres Gives Explanation

Presidential Security Force (Antara)

JAKARTA - Assistant Intelligence Commander of the Presidential Security Force (Asintel Danpaspampres) Colonel of the Infantry Mulyo Junaidi opened his voice to explain the contents of the video recording which featured one of the members of the Presidential Security Agency in London, England, while he was on duty escorting President Prabowo Subianto's visit.

In the video that later went viral on social media, the Paspampres member received protests from several residents, especially when they were asked to move during the sterilization of the location.

Mulyo then explained that Paspampres had checked the contents of the video and investigated the statements of the Paspampres members who were in the video.

The Danpaspampres Intelligence then explained that the actions of the Paspampres members in the video had been in accordance with the standard operating procedures (SOP) set.

"In connection with the circulation of footage content circulating on social media regarding members of the Presidential Security Agency who are carrying out duties in London, after conducting in-depth investigations, we can convey that the person concerned has carried out the security duties of the Head of State in accordance with the applicable standard operating procedures (SOP)," said Asintel Danpaspampres Colonel (Inf) Mulyo quoted by Antara, Thursday, January 29.

Mulyo said Paspampres considered the actions and words of the Paspampres members in the video to be proportionate, and it was in accordance with the procedures that should be carried out by each member.

In the broadcast, said Mulyo, the Paspampres member responded to the protests of several residents in England by smiling and then leaving the location.

"Paspampres thanks for the attention given, and is committed to continuing to ensure the safety of the Head of State in accordance with the provisions," continued Mulyo.

In every visit abroad, President Prabowo, as stipulated in the legal provisions, is always accompanied by the Presidential Security Force (Paspampres), especially from the A Group of the Presidential Security Force.

Paspampres, which is the central implementing agency (balakpus) of the TNI, is a unit consisting of the best soldiers from the three elite units of the TNI, including from the special anti-terror unit of the Navy Detachment Jala Mangkara (Denjaka) of the Navy, then the Bravo Unit (Satbravo) 90 Rapid Action Force of the Air Force, and Kopassus of the Army.

One of the main tasks of the Presidential Security Agency is to provide physical protection directly and in close proximity to the President of the Republic of Indonesia and the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia and their immediate families.

Then, Paspampres is also responsible for the security and safety of former presidents and vice presidents, as well as state guests.

Paspampres is divided into four groups, namely Group A which is tasked with securing the President of the Republic of Indonesia and his family. The current Paspampres Group A is led by Group A Commander, Colonel Inf. Farid Yudho Dwi Leksono. Then, Group B, which is tasked with securing the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia and his family.

Meanwhile, the Paspampres Group C was tasked with securing state guests at the level of heads of state/heads of government. Group C also oversees various special units such as the National Protocol Guard Battalion (Yonwalprotneg), Armored Cavalry Squadron (Dronkavser), Military Music Detachment, and other supporting units. Finally, the Paspampres Group D, which was formed in 2014, is tasked with escorting the President and Vice President who have retired.