STARS, DECORATIONS, AND MEDALS OF INDONESIAN ARMED FORCES IN 2030-2040s

Stars of the Armed Forces of Indonesia (Personal Decoration)

1. Bintang Sakti (Sacred Star): Awarded to service personnel who distinguished themselves by act of valor and beyond the call of duty during military operation. Can also be awarded to civilians for any kind of extraordinary service beyond call of duty in the same circumstances.

US Equivalent: Medal of Honor

UK Equivalent: Victoria Cross

Indian equivalent: Param Vir Chakra

Japanese equivalent (rough): Order of Crysanthemum

2. Bintang Dharma (Military Distinguished Service Star): Awarded awarded to armed forces personnel and civilians for extraordinary service and actions beyond the call of duty during military operations and contingencies which helps promote and achieve the advancement of the Indonesian National Armed Forces. 

US Equivalent: no equivalent

UK Equivalent: Distinguished Service Order

Indian Equivalent: Maha Vir Chakra

3. Bintang Jasa Yudha (Military Bravery Star; created in 2032) Awarded for gallantry in action against an enemy. 

US Equivalent: Silver Star

UK Equivalent: Conspicious Gallantry Cross

Indian Equivalent: Vir Chakra

4. Bintang Yudha Dharma (Grand Meritorious Military Order Star). is awarded to personnel of the Indonesian Armed Forces  or civil servant of or any citizen or foreigner for extraordinary service and on beyond the call of duty for the supervision, development and conduct of any action or activity which can provide extraordinary benefits for the government, people and the Indonesian Armed Forces, most especially in the field of national defense. Divided into three grades

a. Bintang Yudha Dharma Utama (1st Class): In peacetime it was generally awarded to the Minister of Defence and the Chairman of Joint Chief of Staffs/Commander of the Indonesian Armed Forces along with other deserving officer with distinguished conduct in peacetime in the same level. In wartime it was awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Indonesian Armed Forces, has distinguished himself or herself by exceptionally meritorious service to the Government in a duty of great responsibility. In mid 2020s it was designated as the highest peacetime decoration.

US Equivalent: Defence Distinguished Service Medal (peacetime); Army/Navy/Air Force/Coast Guard/Public Health Service/Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal (wartime)

UK Equivalent: George Cross (Peacetime)

Indian Equivalent: Ashoka Chakra (Peacetime)

Japanese Equivalent: Order of the Rising Sun (2nd/3rd class)

b. Bintang Yudha Dharma Pratama (2nd Class); In peacetime, it was generally awarded to 2-star officer and above who serve in national armed forces HQ, ministry of defense, or defense branch HQ. 

US Equivalent: Defense Superior Service Medals (peacetime)

UK Equivalent: George Medal (Peacetime)

Indian Equivalent: Kirti Chakra (Peacetime)

Japanese Equivalent: Order of the Rising Sun (4th Class)

c. Bintang Yudha Dharma Nararya (3rd Class); In peacetime, it was generally awarded to one-star officer and senior officer who serve in joint staff positions. 

US Equivalent: Defense Meritorious Service Medal (peacetime), 

UK Equivalent: George Medal (Peacetime)/Distinguished Service Cross/Military Cross/Distinguished Flying Cross/Air Force Cross/Royal Red Cross Class II (wartime)

Indian Equivalent: Shaurya Chakra (Peacetime)

Japanese Equivalent: Order of the Rising Sun (5th/6th Class)

4. Bintang Kartika Eka Paksi (Army Meritorious Service Star): Highest Indonesian army decoration and is awarded to personnel of the Indonesian Army for meritorious service and beyond the call of duty for advancement of the Indonesian Army. The BKEP can also be awarded to civilians who provide extraordinary service for advancement of the Indonesian Army. Divided to three grades:

1. Bintang Kartika Eka Paksi Utama (1st Class): In peacetime it was awarded to the Army Chief of Staff, in wartime for distinguished heroism which was higher in grade than Bintang Jasa Yudha.

US Army Equivalent: Distinguished Service Cross (wartime), Soldier's Medal (Peacetime)

Indian Army Equivalent: Sena Medal (roughly)

2. Bintang Kartika Eka Paksi Pratama (2nd Class): In peacetime it was awarded to 2-star army officers who have received 3rd class of BKEP, in wartime were for exceptionally meritorious service to the Indonesian Army in a duty of great responsibility.

US Army Equivalent: Distinguished Service Medal (Army)

3. Bintang Kartika Eka Paksi Nararya (3rd Class): Peacetime practice awards this medal to all army personnel who have received Satyalancana Kesetiaan 24 years service medal. In wartime it were also awarded to exceptional heroism during active operations against the enemy on sea, air, and land but do not meet the criteria for the higher level of BKEP.

US Army Equivalent: Bronze Star (rough)

5. Bintang Jalasena (Navy-Marine Corps Meritorious Service Star): Highest Indonesian navy decoration and is awarded to personnel of the Indonesian Navy (includes Marine Corps) for meritorious service and beyond the call of duty for advancement of the Indonesian Navy. The BJJ can also be awarded to civilians who provide extraordinary service for advancement of the Indonesian Navy. Divided to three grades:

1. Bintang Jalasena Utama (1st Class): In peacetime it was awarded to the Navy Chief of Staff and the Commandant of the Marine Corps, in wartime for distinguished heroism which was higher in grade than Bintang Jasa Yudha.

US Navy Equivalent: Navy Cross (wartime), Navy-Marine Corps Medal (Peacetime)

Indian Navy Equivalent: Nao Sena Medal (roughly)

2. Bintang Jalesena Pratama (2nd Class): In peacetime it was awarded to 2-star navy and marine officers who have received 3rd class of BJSN, in wartime were for exceptionally meritorious service to the Indonesian Navy in a duty of great responsibility.

US Navy Equivalent: Distinguished Service Medal (Navy variant)

3. Bintang Jalesveva Jayamahe Nararya (3rd Class): Peacetime practice awards this medal to all navy and marine corps personnel who have received Satyalancana Kesetiaan 24 years service medal. In wartime it were also awarded to exceptional heroism during active operations against the enemy on sea, air, and land but do not meet the criteria for the higher level of BJSN.

US Navy Equivalent: None

6. Bintang Swa Bhuwana Paksa (Air Force Meritorious Service Star): Highest Indonesian Air Force decoration and is awarded to personnel of the Indonesian Air Force for meritorious service and beyond the call of duty for advancement of the Indonesian Air Force. The BSBP can also be awarded to civilians who provide extraordinary service for advancement of the Indonesian Air Force. Divided to three grades:

1. Bintang Swa Bhuwana Paksa Utama (1st Class): In peacetime it was awarded to the Air Force Chief of Staff, in wartime for distinguished heroism which was higher in grade than Bintang Jasa Yudha.

US Navy Equivalent: Air Force Cross (wartime), Airman's Medal (Peacetime)

Indian Navy Equivalent: Vayu Sena Medal (roughly)

2. Bintang Swa Bhuwana Paksa Pratama (2nd Class): In peacetime it was awarded to 2-star air force officers who have received 3rd class of BSBP, in wartime were for exceptionally meritorious service to the Indonesian Air Force in a duty of great responsibility.

US Air Force Equivalent: Distinguished Service Medal (Air Force variant)

3. Bintang Swa Bhuwana Paksa Nararya (3rd Class): Peacetime practice awards this medal to all air force personnel who have received Satyalancana Kesetiaan 24 years service medal. In wartime it were also awarded to exceptional heroism during active operations against the enemy on sea, air, and land but do not meet the criteria for the higher level of BSBP.

US Air Force Equivalent: None

7. Bintang Raksamihiva Camudresu Nusantarasya (Coast Guard Meritorious Service Star). Established in 2020, it's the highest Indonesian Maritime Security Agency/Coast Guard decoration and is awarded to personnel of the IMSA for meritorious service and beyond the call of duty for advancement of the Indonesian Coast Guard. The BRCN can also be awarded to civilians who provide extraordinary service for advancement of the IMSA. Divided to three grades:

1. Bintang Raksamihiva Camudresu Nusantarasya Utama (1st Class): In peacetime it was awarded to the Commandant of the Coast Guard, in wartime for distinguished heroism which was higher in grade than Bintang Jasa Yudha.

USCG Equivalent: Coast Guard Cross (Wartime), Coast Guard Medal (Peacetime)

2. Bintang Raksamihiva Camudresu Nusantarasya Pratama (2nd Class): In peacetime it was awarded to 2-star coast guard officers who have received 3rd class of BRCN, in wartime were for exceptionally meritorious service to the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency in a duty of great responsibility.

USCG Equivalent: Distinguished Service Medal (Coast Guard variant)

3. Bintang Jalesveva Jayamahe Nararya (3rd Class): Peacetime practice awards this medal to all coast guard personnel who have received Satyalancana Kesetiaan 24 years service medal. In wartime it were also awarded to exceptional heroism during active operations against the enemy on sea, air, and land but do not meet the criteria for the higher level of BRCN.

USCG Equivalent: None

8. Bintang Pembebasan Nasional (Star of National Liberation). A single grade order of merit established in January 2034, to recognize the remarkable acts of faith and of courage that in Indonesia, or abroad, have contributed to the resistance of Indonesian people against NII and FDNI terror organization since December 15th, 2033 

Equivalent: Resistance Medal (World War II France)

Status: No longer awarded (last award was in November 10th, 2041).

9. Bintang Gerilya 2033 (Star of 2033 War of Liberation). A single grade order of merit established in January 2034, to honor distinctive heroism, bravery, and loyalty in defending the Indonesian territorial integrity against the NII and FDNI during the Civil War since December 15th, 2033. A very high honor equivalent to old Bintang Gerilya awarded to heroes of the National Revolution in 1945-1950 period.

Equivalent: Order of Liberation (World War II France)

Status: No longer awarded (last award was in November 10th, 2040)

Samkaryanugraha (Unit Citations)

1. Samkaryanugraha Panglima Tertinggi (Presidential Unit Citation - Armed Forces, previously simply named Samkaryanugraha)

US Military (incl. Coast Guard) Equivalents: Presidential Unit Citation

2. Samkaryanugraha Dharma Kesatuan (created in 2026)

a. Samkaryanugraha Dharma Kesatuan, Utama (1st Class): US Equivalent: Valorous Unit Award/Navy Unit Commendation/Air Force Gallant Unit Citation/Coast Guard Unit Commendation

b. Samkaryanugraha Dharma Kesatuan, Pratama (2nd Class); US Equivalent: Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army, Navy, Coast Guard)/Air Force Meritorious Unit

c. Samkaryanugraha Dharma Kesatuan, Nararya (3rd Class); US Equivalent: Superior Unit (Army)/Navy E Ribbon/Coast Guard E Ribbon/Air Force Outstanding Unit or Air Force Organisational Excellence

Satyalancana (Medals)

1. Satyalancana Bhakti (Wound Medal): Awarded for injured or killed Armed Forces personnel, including reserve and Coast Guard due to enemy action in a combat operation. In the Indonesian National Police, personnel wounded or killed in line of duty the Satyalancana Operasi Kepolisian (Police Wound Medal) was used instead.

Equivalents: Purple Heart (USA), Wound Medal (India), Wound stripes (Commonwealth countries)

2. Satyalencana Teladan (Military Campaign Medal/Good Conduct Medal)

Old requirement: for 1 year continuous service or 3 years non-continuous service while in performance of national defense responsibilities on any military campaign or operation as may be ordered by the Commander of the National Armed Forces and/or the respective Chiefs of Staff of the service branches of the armed forces wherein he or she is assigned.

US Equivalent: Combat Action Medal

New requirement (since 2028): Exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity in active Military service.

US Equivalent: Good Conduct Medal


3. Satyalancana Pertempuran (Combat Action Medal, created in 2027)

Active and satisfactory participation in combat operations.

US Equivalent: Combat Action Ribbon (USN, USMC, USCG)/Combat Action Medal (USAF)/Combat Infantrymen Badge, Combat Medic Badge, Combat Action Badge (US Army)

4. Satyalencana Kesetiaan (Long Service Medal)

Awarded for years of loyal and faithful service in the Armed Forces in 4 categories:

a. 1st Category, Satyalancana Kesetiaan 32 years service

b. 2nd Category, Satyalencana Kesetiaan 24 Years Service

c. 3rd Category, Satyalencana Kesetiaan 16 Years Service

c. 4th Category, Satyalancana Kesetiaan 8 years service

Variant: "C" device (for cadangan/reserve) for service in the reserve component (established in 2023)

5. Satyalencana Dharma Nusa (National Defense Service Medal)

Awarded to personnel of the Indonesian Armed Forces, Indonesian National Police, and Indonesia Coast Guard or civil servants for satisfactory service in defense/security restoration order operations in conflict zone or designated National Emergencies. 

Counter-terrorism and counter insurgency participants awarded this medal must participate in any designated anti-terrorism/insurgency operation for a period of either 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days of duty (revised from 90 consecutive and 120 consecutive days of duty).

US Equivalent: National Defense Service Medal, Global War of Terrorism Service/Expeditionary Medal

6. Satyalancana Penegak Kesatuan (National Unity Defense Service Medal). Established January 2034.

Awarded to both armed forces and police personnel for military/police service in the Civil War for a period of either 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days of duty. 

7. Satyalancana Bhakti Kemanusiaan (Humanitarian Service Medal). Established January 2025.

Awarded to both armed forces and police personnel for meritorious direct participation in a significant military act or operation of a humanitarian nature (e.g. disaster relief and vigilance operations both inside Indonesia and Overseas). 

8. Satyalancana Kebhaktian Sosial (Social Welfare Medal). 

Awarded to distinguished individuals for their contribution to the social welfare of the Indonesian people and can be awarded many times to both civilian and military personnel with respective Roman numerals for repeat awarding. 

Variant (military and police personnel both regular and reservist only, Established January 2025): 

a. "R" (for relawan/volunteer) device for substantial volunteer service to the local community above and beyond the duties required as a member of the Indonesian Armed Forces or National Police. Such volunteer service must be made in a sustained and direct nature towards the civilian community, must be significant in nature to produce tangible results, and must reflect favorably on the tradition of military or police service in general.

b. "B" (for pembina, roughtly translated as constructors, patrons, or developers) device created for distinguished Army National Guard and Police NCOs serving as community policing officer (Bhabinkamtibmas; Bhayangkara Pembina Keamanan dan Ketertiban Masyarakat) and Army NCO Community Development (Babinsa; Bintara Pembina Desa) for distinguished humanitarian and or social welfare works.

US Equivalent: Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (military); President's Volunteer Service Award (roughly, civilian)

9. Satyalancana Dharma Bantala (Army Service Commendation Medal), Satyalancana Dharma Samudera (Navy Service Medal), Satyalancana Dharma Dirgantara (Air Force Service Commendation Medal), and Satyalancana Dharma Senapala (Coast Guard Service Commendation Medal; established in 2025) 

Criteria: 

a. Had been awarded Satyalencana Kesetiaan 2nd Category (24 Years Service), at least 30 years of service (peacetime) or being killed in the line of duty both peacetime or wartime (in addition of Satyalancana Bhakti) (peacetime)

b. Also eligible for service personnel showing heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service in a combat zone in a lower degree than required for Bintang Jasa Yudha or Bintang Dharma.

US Equivalents (wartime): Bronze Star, Air Medal

10. Satyalancana Wira Siaga (Presidential Guard Medal)

Awarded for service in the Presidential Security Forces (PASPAMPRES).

11. Satyalancana Wira Nusa (Outer Island Service Medal)

Awarded for service in Indonesian outer islands or floating installations.

12. Satyalancana Wira Jagaruna (Armed Forces Reserve Service Medal)

Awarded for faithful service in the reserve component of the Armed Forces for at least five consecutive years. Est. 2023

Variant: "M" (mobilisasi/mobilization) device. Awarded to any reservists who is involuntarily mobilized for a contingency operation or volunteers for active duty during any such mobilization both for combat and non combat operations. In such cases, the medal with an "M" device, or mobilization device, are both awarded together without regard to the period or length of service.

US Equivalent: Armed Forces Reserve Medal

13. Satyalancana Dwidya Sistha (Military Instructor Service Medal)

Awarded service members who are trained and qualified as military instructors to new recruits both in Military Academies, Officer Candidate Schools, or military recruit training units in all arms of service of the Indonesian Armed Forces and the Coast Guard.

US Equivalent: Drill Instructor Ribbon (USMC), Accession Training Service Ribbon (USN), Special Duty Ribbon (USAF), Drill Sergeant Identification Badge (US Army), Company Commander Insignia (USCG)

14. Satyalancana Ksatria Yudha (Special Operations Forces Service Medal)

Awarded for two consecutive years of service or three non consecutive year service in the Armed Forces Special Operations Command units (Army Kopassus, Navy Kopaska, Marine Corps Taifib/Denjaka, Air Force Paskhas)