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Panglima is a military title used in Malay nations (e.g. Indonesia, Malaysia). It means 'a commander of a body of troops'. In the past it is used to call some prominent military leaders in several kingdoms, such as Panglima Polem from Aceh. In modern times it is reserved for the chiefs of the armed forces of Indonesia and Malaysia and some other posts.
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Panglima Tertinggi Angkatan Bersenjata Republik Indonesia
Per Indonesian Constitution the President of Indonesia is the Supreme Commander of Indonesian Armed Forces (Panglima Tertinggi Angkatan Bersenjata Republik Indonesia). Essentially it is parallel to the title 'Commander-in-Chief' in other countries, e.g. the United States.
During the Old Order era, this title is included into many honorific titles that were often mentioned each time Sukarno's name was written or read in speeches, edicts, or news.
Panglima TNI
In Indonesian National Armed Forces the highest position overseeing the three branches - Army, Navy, Air Force - is called Panglima Tentara National Indonesia ('Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces'). Before the separation of the National Police from the Armed forces in 2000, the Armed Forces consisted of four branches. The Armed Forces were named Angkatan Bersenjata Republik Indonesia, which comprised TNI and the Police. The commander of the Armed Forces was called Panglima ABRI accordingly, or usually known with the acronym Pangab.
According to the revised Constitution Panglima TNI is appointed by the President after confirmed by DPR. Before the Constitution was amended in 2002, the President had the prerogative right to appoint or dismiss the 'Panglima' at his pleasure.
Panglima Besar
The honorific title Panglima Besar, meaning 'Grand Commander' was bestowed informally upon Sudirman, the first Commander of the Armed Forces and legendary leader of guerilla war during Indonesian National Revolution (1945–1949).
Other Military Use
Beside the use for 'Panglima TNI', the title 'Panglima' is also used for many formations within the Armed Forces.
The commander of Kostrad, a formation within the Indonesian Army, is called 'Panglima Kostrad'. One of such notable Panglima Kostrad is the first, Suharto, who later became a President of Indonesia (1968–1998), and the second, Umar Wirahadikusumah, who became Vice President of Indonesia (1983–1988).
Each commander of Military Territorial Commands (Komando Daerah Militer, usually known with the acronym Kodam) has the title 'Panglima Daerah Militer' or Pangdam. There are 17 Kodam, each with one Pangdam.
Each commander of the two Fleet Commands is also given title 'Panglima'. The commander of Western Fleet Command (Komando Armada Barat), based in Jakarta, is known as Panglima Armada Barat or Pangarmabar. The commander of Eastern Fleet Command (Komando Armada Timur), based in Surabaya, is known as Panglima Armada Timur or Pangarmatim.
The highest position in National Air Defence Command (Komando Pertahanan Udara Nasional, usually known with the acronym Kohanudnas) is given the title Panglima Kohanudnas.
Use in the Past
Upon the formation of the Fourth Working Cabinet (19 November 1963), the title 'Panglima' was used for the commander of each branch of Indonesian Armed Forces. They were also members of the Cabinet. Therefore, they were given the title Menteri (Minister), appointed directly by the President. As such, their titles were:
This use was discontinued in the New Order era, replaced with the title Kepala Staf (Chief of Staff) for the commander of three branches and Kepala (Chief) for the Chief of National Police.
Panglima Angkatan Tentera
In Malaysian Armed Forces (Angkatan Tentera Malaysia) the highest position overseeing the branches - Army, Navy, Air Force - is called Panglima Angkatan Tentera (in official English translation: Chief of Defence Force).
Panglima Tentera
Each branch of Malaysian Armed Forces has a Panglima at its head. Chief of Army is Panglima Tentera Darat, Chief of Navy is Panglima Tentera Laut, and Chief of Air Force is Panglima Tentera Udara. Each of them also has a deputy commander, called Timbalan Panglima (Deputy Chief).
Other Use
The word 'Panglima' is used for several titles in the orders and decorations of Malaysia, such as Panglima Mangku Negara (P.M.N), Panglima Setia Mahkota (P.S.M.), Panglima Jasa Negara (P.J.N.), and Panglima Setia Diraja (P.S.D.).