Stratification According to Rank

Grade and rank structure is standard throughout the three military services and corresponds to that common to most military systems. One title unique to Indonesia is panglima, a traditional heroic rank revived during the National Revolution. Although panglima is often translated as “commander,” it has a stronger connotation of honor and power. In the 1980s, tradition evolved to limit the title panglima to the armed forces commander in chief and the Kostrad and Kodam commanders.

Uniforms of the three services are distinguished by color and style, with variations in headgear and other details distinguishing some elite troops, who wear berets of various colors. Army working and ceremonial uniforms are olive drab. Air force uniforms are medium blue, and navy uniforms are navy blue. Rank insignia are standardized among the services. In ceremonial and service dress, officers wear rank insignia on the shoulder epaulet. Field-uniform insignia were moved in 1991 from the front of the fatigue shirt to the collar tip. Rank insignia are worn on the sleeves by NCOs and enlisted personnel.