Ridwan Max Sijabat, Jakarta – The Army's Special Forces, or Kopassus, was warned against complacency during this time of peace and stability, being reminded to remain vigilant against security threats that could arise from inside or outside the country.

"As an elite force designed for strategic special missions, Kopassus needs to continue improving its professionalism, sensitivity and alertness in facing security threats and disturbances that could destroy national unity," Army Chief of Staff Gen. Djoko Santoso said during a ceremony here Monday to mark the 55th anniversary of the force.

He stressed the soldiers of Kopassus always had to be ready to act quickly and successfully.

"All units in the elite force must be prepared for any deployment in special operations, and soldiers must continuously improve their knowledge and participate in regular exercises to improve their skills," he said.

Djoko told the elite force's chief and unit commanders to continue their hard work not only to maintain the readiness of soldiers, but to make the soldiers more approachable by civilians.

"Kopassus must come down closer to the people at large, local governments and the police, and cooperate with them in handling any problems in the country," he said.

Special Forces chief, Maj. Gen. Rasyid Q.A., said homegrown terrorism remained a serious threat for the country, but the force would allow the police to take the lead in dealing with domestic militant groups.

"The most important thing is the police should cooperate closely with the people and the military to get information in their efforts to keep track of the militant groups. The military will enter the field once terror acts are considered to have jeopardized national security," he said.

Asked to comment on the elite force's budget, Rasyid said Kopassus understood the government could not allocate it more funding, giving the economic situation in the country.

"The elite force is not running short of financial support and we will spend the allocated budget as efficiently as possible, to carry out our regular education and training programs and to pay soldiers and their families," he said. He did not say exactly how much annual funding the force received from the government.