Jakarta – The Army's Special Forces (Kopassus) Comandant Maj. Gen. Agus Sutomo spoke positively of his group on Tuesday at an event marking its 61st anniversary.

"Kopassus is the country's asset. It belongs to the country's people, not to the commandos. Therefore, all Indonesian citizens should take care of Kopassus because it is the country's weapon. No one is allowed to crush Kopassus," said Agus in his remarks at the ceremony of the 61st Koppassus anniversary, at Kopassus headquarters in Cijantung, East Jakarta, on Tuesday morning.

He said that in celebrating its 61st anniversary, Kopassus was committed to continuing its work through sacrifice. "We will continue to develop all our positive work and will correct all the improper things we've done in the past," said Agus as quoted by Antara news agency.

He urged Kopassus soldiers to become soldiers of honesty and responsibility, who acted nobly and with esprit de corps. "One statement represents our principle: an upstanding loyalty," said Agus.

"Let us keep guard with sincerity and maintain the honor of the Red beret [as Kopassus can also be known]. Our presence gives positive values to the people and the nation. We are here to be part of the solution, not part of the problem," said the Commandant.

Nine Kopassus commandos have been named suspects in the killing of four detainees at Cebongan prison in Yogyakarta.

A member of the House of Representatives Commission I overseeing defense, Susaningtyas Kertopati, who also attended the celebration, hoped that Kopassus could become a special force that was able to use the esprit de corps it had to protect the unitary state of the Republic of Indonesia. (ebf)