Kopkamtib, an acronym for Komando Operasi Pemulihan Keamanan dan Ketertiban or "Operational Command for the Restoration of Security and Order", was a secret police operation in Indonesia's "New Order" that continued issues arising from the transition to the New Order.
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Origins of Kopkamtib
Following the killing of 6 top generals and failed "coup attempt", the surviving general, Suharto, accepted President Sukarno's order to take control of the army. Suharto's condition was that he be handed full authority to restore order and security, an arrangement that was formalised by creating Kopkamtib.
The conflict between the forces of the military and their rivals the Communist Party of Indonesia (PKI), had predated the setting up of the organisation. The formation of Kopkamtib was a legitimisation of military and the New Order governments determination to organise the liquidation of the PKI and its related organisations.
By 1968 the PKI was no longer seen as a credible threat to military power, Kopkamtib's role as the New Order's main security apparatus remained, as did its surveillance of citizens. Kopkamtib played and important role in ensuring Golkar victory in the 1971 general elections. The organisation screened candidates and disqualifying about 20 per cent for political reasons.
Later and post Suharto era
In September 1988 the organisation was closed down. The succeeding organisation was Bakorstanas which lasted until March 2000, when it was dismantled by the government of the Reform era.
Deputy Commanders were also known as Chief of Staff of the organisation