Showcasing the Indonesian Navy's Amphibious Vehicle and Kopassus Motion Detection System

Indo Defence 2016 featured a wide range of defense industry technologies from both local and international manufacturers. Among the highlights was an amphibious vehicle developed in-house by the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL).

The vehicle, named Kasrat X-1, was developed by the TNI AL Research and Development Center (Dislitbang TNI AL) based on a design by Lieutenant Colonel (Marine) Citro Subono. The Kasrat X-1 is a personnel carrier capable of operating on both land and water.

“When in water, the wheels retract upwards and are hidden. The propeller is also adjustable,” explained Moch Fatoni, a representative from Dislitbang TNI AL, at the Indo Defence exhibition held at JIExpo Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, on Thursday, October 3, 2016.

According to Fatoni, who is also known by the nickname Bejo, the Kasrat X-1 is built with 6 mm thick steel armor and is powered by an Isuzu NKR 71 engine with a 5100 cc capacity.

“It can reach speeds of approximately 90–100 km/h on land, and up to 15 knots in water,” he said.

The Kasrat X-1 can carry up to 30 personnel and is primarily intended for use by the Indonesian Marine Corps. As a relatively new prototype developed in just six months, the vehicle is still undergoing further refinement.

“We’re continuing to enhance its functionality for optimal performance,” Bejo added.

Now in its seventh edition, the Indo Defence exhibition—organized by the Ministry of Defense—also attracted participation from various private-sector defense companies. The event, which runs until November 5, showcases cutting-edge defense technologies from around the world.

One of the notable innovations is Starmile, a motion detection system highly effective for night operations. It was exhibited at the booth of Panorama Graha Teknologi, a company based in Rawamangun, East Jakarta.

The enemy detection system comprises multiple portable instruments carried by individual soldiers. These include a compact CPU, camera, microphone, mini screen, and a device known as a TDT (Technical Data Transmitter).

“The system can transmit four types of data through a single radio: voice, GPS, video, and text. In critical situations, soldiers can send text messages via the TDT,” explained booth technician Zhidni Widodo.

He added that the system operates on UHF frequencies and can cross-band to VHF. This feature allows for secure communication when direct contact is compromised.

“It also includes a motion detector—useful in darkness when visibility is low. The effective range is up to 1 km in open terrain, making it ideal for tactical squad operations,” he explained.

“It’s suitable for urban warfare in buildings or jungle operations—though not in pine forests, as pine trees absorb radio frequencies,” Zhidni added.

This radio system has already drawn interest from the Indonesian Armed Forces. According to Zhidni, the Indonesian Army’s Special Forces Command (Kopassus) has placed an order for the system.

“We've already established a partnership with Kopassus. Procurement is scheduled for next year,” he confirmed.