Legiun Mangkunegaran: Indonesia’s First Military Force

The elite forces of the Indonesian National Army (TNI)— Special Forces Command (Kopassus), Naval Special Forces (Kopaska), and Naval Jala Mangkara Detachment (Denjaka) are recognized internationally. Many soldiers from around the world come to Indonesia for military training.

Before these elite forces existed, Indonesia once had a military unit called Legiun Mangkunegaran. This Indonesian military force had capabilities comparable to European military armies. Let’s find out more about Legiun Mangkunegaran in this article!

Origin of Legiun Mangkunegaran

According to historical records cited from Kompas, this armed corps was formed during the reign of Mangkunegara I, or Prince Sambernyawa, around 1757-1795. At that time, there was a guerrilla force called Praja Mangkunegaran.

The force consisted of 44 troops, including 22 artillery, cavalry, infantry units, and 12 experienced units. In 1808, during the tenure of Mangkunegara II, the force was renamed to Legiun Mangkunegaran. It is derived from the French word “Legionnaire,” meaning military troops.

Legiun Mangkunegaran adopted tactics from Grande Armee regarding organization, armament, appearance, and more. Grande Armee was led by Napoleon Bonaparte. Its purpose was to end civil unrest and serve as a backup for the Dutch East Indies forces.

Legiun Mangkunegaran was headquartered on the eastern side of Pura Mangkunegaran, with training conducted at the military school run by Praja Mangkunegaran—Soldat Sekul. The troops were trained to use various weapons, such as cannons, bows, spears, swords, keris, artillery, firearms, and sharp weapons. They also received cavalry training.

Legiun Mangkunegaran Troops

In its time, Legiun Mangkunegaran was considered the best or most modern military force in Nusantara (the historical name for Indonesia). No one could rival the modernity of this military unit—much less its strength. By 1808, Legiun Mangkunegaran had 1,150 soldiers in its troops.

This included 50 artillery, 200 cavalry, 100 assault troops, and 800 infantry soldiers. They were equipped with various weapons, such as pistols, rifles, keris, and more. The legion even had an organizational structure similar to modern armies.

Years later, in 1816, the number of Legiun Mangkunegaran soldiers decreased to 739. Then, from 1825-1830, the number increased to around 1,500. In 1831, it dropped to 1,000, and by 1888, the artillery unit was disbanded due to financial issues.

To build a modern military in its era, several undertakings were initiated, such as compiling a soldier’s guidebook in 1855, implementing a military reorganization, hiring professional military trainers from Europe, and in 1935, Legiun Mangkunegaran was divided into several units, including a machine gun unit, a music corps, military doctors, aides or logistics, and others.

Military Operations of Legiun Mangkunegaran

Since its founding, Legiun Mangkunegaran has participated in military operations to defend Semarang City and Klaten City from the British. The legion was also entrusted with maintaining order in Java Island, which was in a state of unrest at the time. Around 1811, it became part of the forces under Governor General Janssens.

After Indonesia gained independence, Legiun Mangkunegaran joined the militias that were the precursors of TNI. In 2010, Legiun Mangkunegaran Muda was formed to inherit the fighting spirit of Mangkunegara I. The organization also served as a platform for the descendants of Mangkunegaran. However, around 2011, this organization was disbanded and replaced by Garda Mangkunegaran.

The story of Legiun Mangkunegaran is indeed fascinating. If you wish to see remnants of the Legiun Mangkunegaran school, you can visit Pura Mangkunegaran in Surakarta. The school is located east of the palace. To have a safe journey there, make sure you purchase Travel Insurance from MSIG Indonesia.