Azin Asro
The Chairman of the Association of Special Firearms License Owners for Self-Defense (PERIKHSA), Bambang Soesatyo, who also serves as the Chairman of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) of Indonesia, has officially inaugurated the board of the PERIKHSA 4×4 Community. This specialized organization represents a unique intersection of interests, bringing together off-road and on-road automotive enthusiasts who are also holders of the Special Permit for Self-Defense Firearms (IKHSA). The inauguration ceremony, held at Parle Senayan in Jakarta on Saturday, April 18, 2026, marks a significant step in formalizing a community that seeks to blend the discipline of firearm ownership with the resilience required for extreme automotive sports.
The establishment of the PERIKHSA 4×4 Community is intended to serve as more than just a social club for hobbyists. According to Soesatyo, widely known as Bamsoet, the community’s primary mission is to build a synergy between the automotive world and the rigorous responsibilities that come with firearm ownership. By integrating these two distinct spheres, the organization aims to foster a spirit of national solidarity and contribute to the broader framework of "Bela Negara" or State Defense. The event also doubled as a "Halal Bihalal" gathering, a traditional Indonesian social practice of seeking forgiveness and strengthening bonds following the Eid al-Fitr period, emphasizing the communal and familial nature of the group.
Strategic Leadership and Organizational Structure
The newly formed PERIKHSA 4×4 Community is supported by a high-profile board of patrons and advisors, reflecting the organization’s influence and its alignment with national security and legal frameworks. The board includes prominent figures from the military, police, and legal sectors. Former Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), Marshal (Ret.) Hadi Tjahjanto, serves as the Chairman of the Board of Patrons. He is joined by Aboe Bakar Al Habsy, a prominent legislator.
The Advisory Board is chaired by Commissioner General (Ret.) Nanan Soekarna, a former Deputy Chief of the Indonesian National Police (Polri), with Hercules Rosario Marshal and Sonny Harsono serving as Vice Chairmen of the Advisory Board. The executive leadership is headed by Malik Bawazier, who serves as the President of PERIKHSA 4×4, and Aldwin Rahadian, who serves as the President of PERIKHSA Riders. The presence of these figures underscores the organization’s commitment to maintaining a high standard of discipline, legal compliance, and strategic relevance in the Indonesian social landscape.
During the inauguration, Bamsoet emphasized that the convergence of these leaders is not merely for prestige but to ensure that the community operates under a strict ethical and professional code. The inclusion of retired high-ranking military and police officials provides a direct link to the state’s defense and security apparatus, ensuring that the community’s activities remain within the corridor of national interests.
The Philosophy of Discipline and Resilience
The core philosophy behind the PERIKHSA 4×4 Community is the marriage of "toughness" and "discipline." Bamsoet explained that off-roading is a sport that demands physical and mental fortitude, as well as a high degree of technical skill to navigate challenging terrains. Similarly, the legal ownership of a firearm for self-defense in Indonesia requires a high level of mental stability, legal knowledge, and technical proficiency.
"The inauguration of the PERIKHSA 4×4 Community must be interpreted as an effort to unite a hobby with responsibility," Bamsoet stated during his keynote address. "Off-roading trains resilience and toughness, while the ownership of self-defense firearms demands high discipline. Both must run side-by-side within the corridors of ethics and professionalism."
Bamsoet further elaborated that owners of special firearm permits are categorized as "trained citizens." In the context of Indonesian law and national defense strategy, these individuals are expected to be part of the vanguard of the civilian population. In the event of a national emergency or external threats to the country’s sovereignty, these trained citizens are envisioned as a reserve force capable of supporting the military and police in defending the nation.
Firearm Regulations and the Role of PERIKHSA
Indonesia maintains some of the strictest firearm control laws in the world. Unlike jurisdictions where firearm ownership is viewed as a broad right, in Indonesia, it is treated as a highly regulated privilege granted only to specific individuals who meet stringent criteria. PERIKHSA, as the parent organization, plays a vital role in ensuring that its members adhere to these standards.
The process for obtaining an IKHSA permit involves several layers of vetting, including:
- Psychological Evaluation: Applicants must pass rigorous psychological tests to ensure they are mentally fit to possess a weapon and possess the necessary emotional control.
- Health Checks: Physical health assessments are mandatory to ensure the holder can safely handle a firearm.
- Background Checks: A thorough investigation into the applicant’s criminal record and social standing.
- Skills Training: Owners must undergo regular training in shooting and weapon maintenance to ensure safety and proficiency.
Bamsoet reiterated that a firearm permit is not a status symbol. "The use of self-defense firearms is a mandate that must be guarded with discipline, responsibility, and a high awareness of the law. These values must be reflected in all activities of the PERIKHSA 4×4 community," he said. By fostering a community environment, PERIKHSA can provide ongoing education and peer-to-peer accountability, reducing the risk of misuse and ensuring that members remain updated on legal requirements.
The Growth of the 4×4 and Off-Road Industry in Indonesia
The launch of PERIKHSA 4×4 comes at a time when the automotive community in Indonesia is experiencing significant growth. Over the past decade, the interest in off-road vehicles, particularly Jeep 4x4s and modified SUVs, has surged. This growth is driven by both a burgeoning middle class and an increasing interest in domestic adventure tourism.
As the Chairman of the Indonesian Motor Association (IMI), Bamsoet has been a vocal advocate for the automotive industry’s role in the national economy. He noted that the off-road community has historically been focused on extreme sports and vehicle modifications. However, he believes there is an untapped potential for these communities to contribute more significantly to social and national causes.
"PERIKHSA 4×4 Community must bring a new paradigm," Bamsoet urged. "This community must be able to prove that extreme hobbies can be a means of character building, solidarity, and a real contribution to society."
The off-road capability of the members’ vehicles provides a practical utility that goes beyond recreation. In a country like Indonesia, which is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and volcanic eruptions, 4×4 vehicles are often the only means of reaching remote or devastated areas. By organizing these vehicle owners into a disciplined structure like PERIKHSA 4×4, the community can potentially serve as a rapid-response logistics and rescue unit in times of crisis.
Fostering "Brotherhood" and National Unity
A central theme of Bamsoet’s address was the concept of "brotherhood." In the Indonesian automotive context, the term "brotherhood" refers to the strong social bonds and mutual assistance found within vehicle clubs. Bamsoet views this spirit as a form of social capital that can be leveraged to maintain national unity.
In an era of increasing social polarization, communities that transcend political, ethnic, and religious lines are vital for social cohesion. The PERIKHSA 4×4 Community, by bringing together individuals from various professional backgrounds—ranging from businessmen and lawyers to former military officers—serves as a microcosm of a unified Indonesia.
"The spirit of brotherhood built in PERIKHSA, including in the PERIKHSA 4×4 Community, is a very strong social capital. This can be a glue for unity as well as a means of building national character," Bamsoet concluded.
Broader Impact and Future Implications
The formation of the PERIKHSA 4×4 Community is likely to have several implications for both the automotive and security sectors in Indonesia. Firstly, it sets a precedent for how hobbyist groups can integrate legal and civic responsibilities into their core identity. This could lead to similar initiatives in other sectors, where specialized skills (such as piloting, diving, or radio operation) are organized under a "State Defense" framework.
Secondly, the high visibility of the organization’s leadership suggests that PERIKHSA will play an active role in policy discussions regarding firearm legislation and automotive regulations. As the government continues to refine the rules for "trained citizens" (Warga Negara Terlatih), organizations like PERIKHSA 4×4 will likely serve as primary consultants or models for implementation.
Finally, the emphasis on social contribution may shift the public perception of firearm owners and off-roaders. Often viewed through the lens of exclusivity or "macho" culture, these groups are now being repositioned as disciplined, law-abiding, and socially responsible citizens who are ready to serve the country.
As the community begins its operations, the focus will likely turn toward organizing joint training sessions that combine tactical driving with shooting proficiency, alongside social service programs. By maintaining the high standards set by Bamsoet and the board of patrons, the PERIKHSA 4×4 Community aims to become a benchmark for hobby-based organizations in the 21st century—where passion meets patriotism.
