Densus

Densus, officially Detasemen Khusus 88 Antiteror (Densus 88), is a special counterterrorism unit of the Indonesian National Police (Polri). It operates within Polri to detect, prevent, and counter terrorism across Indonesia. The unit was established in 2003, in the wake of rising terrorist threats and the 2002 Bali bombings, by consolidating elite counterterrorism elements from various police units. Its mandate includes intelligence gathering, surveillance, investigations, arrests, and, when legally authorized, tactical operations against suspected terrorists and their networks.

Organization and activities: Densus 88 is led by a commander and comprises investigators, intelligence officers, and tactical teams. It works in coordination with other police units, national intelligence agencies, and prosecutors. Operations are conducted under Indonesian law, including criminal procedure and police regulations, with oversight by internal police bodies and the judiciary. The unit has conducted a range of operations nationwide to disrupt suspected plots and dismantle networks linked to domestic and international extremist groups.

Controversies and oversight: As with other counterterrorism bodies, Densus 88 has faced scrutiny over human rights concerns in some operations, prompting calls for stronger accountability, due process protections, and transparency, while maintaining emphasis on preventing violence and protecting public safety.

See also: Detasemen Khusus 88 Antiteror; Indonesian National Police; Counterterrorism in Indonesia.