Regulatory Framework for Local Defense: Standardizing Security Infrastructure and Public Safety

The landscape of local security in Indonesia has undergone a significant transformation with the enactment of Permendagri Number 11 of 2023. This regulation marks a modernized approach to Security Infrastructure for the Community Protection Task Force (Satgas Linmas) and the Community Protection Unit (Satlinmas). This shift is rooted in the historical transition from the total defense and security era, initiated by Presidential Decree No. 56 of 1972, toward a more humanistic and service-oriented model of Public Safety at the regional and village levels.

By updating the standards for equipment and facilities, the government ensures that Linmas personnel are no longer viewed merely as remnants of a paramilitary past but as professional agents of peace and order. This modernization is essential to meet the dynamic operational needs of villages, where Public Safety challenges—ranging from social conflict to disaster response—require specialized tools and a professional appearance.

The Abolishment of the “Hansip” Era

One of the most notable changes brought by Permendagri 11/2023 is the official revocation of the Ministry of Home Affairs Decree No. 36 of 1979. For decades, the iconic green “Hansip” uniforms defined local security. However, this regulation declares that the old green attributes are officially revoked and no longer valid. This change reflects a deeper ideological shift: Security Infrastructure is now designed to support a friendly, professional, and humanitarian presence in the community.

This replacement is not merely cosmetic; it symbolizes the village’s commitment to higher Public Safety standards. The new uniforms and attributes are designed to be distinctive, functional, and aligned with modern administrative protocols, ensuring that Satlinmas members are easily identifiable and respected as formal government-sanctioned protectors.

Standardizing Security Infrastructure for Village Units

Under the new regulation, Security Infrastructure is divided into several categories to ensure that every Satlinmas unit is fully equipped for Public Safety duties. These requirements include:

• Individual Equipment: Standardized uniforms, footwear, and identification attributes that reflect the new humanistic paradigm.
• Operational Tools: Basic equipment for field patrols, communication devices, and safety gear necessary for managing Public Safety during community events or emergencies.
• Office Facilities: Providing a dedicated space or “Pos Kamling” that serves as the command center for localized Security Infrastructure and coordination.
• Reporting Systems: Digital or manual administrative tools to record security incidents and report them to the village government and Satpol PP.

By standardizing these elements, the government ensures that whether a Satlinmas member is serving in a remote village or a bustling district, the level of Public Safety remains consistent and high-quality.

Integration with Village Financial Planning

To implement this new Security Infrastructure, village governments must integrate the procurement of Linmas equipment into their Village Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBDes). This funding ensures that Public Safety is not an afterthought but a prioritized budget line. Professional procurement also allows for better inventory management, ensuring that every asset purchased serves the long-term protection of the community.

The regulation provides a clear legal umbrella for Village Heads to allocate funds for the new uniforms and attributes. This legal certainty is vital for maintaining Financial Accountability, as it allows for official audits of security spending under the current Permendagri standards.

Conclusion: Empowering Local Protectors

In conclusion, Permendagri 11/2023 is a milestone in the professionalization of local security. By investing in modern Security Infrastructure and shifting toward a humanistic Public Safety model, villages can foster a safer and more orderly environment for all residents. The end of the “Hansip” era is the beginning of a more capable, trusted, and efficient community protection force.

Visit the Village Regulations page for official access.