Dio Suhenda, Jakarta – The Presidential Security Detail (Paspampres) is looking to learn from the recent assassination attempt of former United States president Donald Trump and improve its protocol to ensure the safety of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and Vice President Ma'ruf Amin.
Speaking to reporters at the Bogor Palace in West Java on Monday, Paspampres commander Maj. Gen. Achiruddin said the incident involving Trump served as a "point of evaluation and learning".
"[We] always use recent developments as a learning and evaluation process in our duties," Achiruddin said, as quoted by Kompas.id.
Achiruddin went on to say that securing VVIP figures such as the President, Vice President, former presidents and vice presidents as well as foreign dignitaries equivalent to heads of state remained a top priority, and that Paspampres' Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) were consistently enforced and adjusted.
"The current SOP within Paspampres is continuously improved and enhanced in line with the dynamic situation," Achiruddin said.
However, Achiruddin also said Paspampres was looking to allow some flexibility within its SOP to allow the President to directly interact with the public, especially considering Jokowi's penchant for making blusukan (impromptu visits).
Trump, who is looking to run for a second term in office as the Republican presidential candidate, was shot in the ear during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Thursday.
The incident happened just minutes into Trump's speech and left the crowd at the rally in a panic, as Secret Service agents whisked Trump away.
Jokowi has since joined a lengthy roster of world leaders condemning the violence and wishing Trump a speedy recovery.
"I am deeply shocked and saddened with the shooting against former President Donald Trump today. All forms of violence have no place in democracy around the world," he said on Sunday afternoon.
"My thoughts and prayers for his speedy and full recovery and for all those affected by the attack," he added.