“Waspada Cighra Jaya” is the motto. It echoes in the air as we approach Kompi Zeni Nuklir, Biologi, dan Kimia. This translates to “Be Aware, Move Quickly and Succeed”. Today, we’re standing before a unit with a crucial role in Indonesia’s defense. It stands ready against nuclear, biological, and chemical threats.
Kompi Zeni Nuklir, Biologi, dan Kimia or Kizinubika was established on April 22, 1986. It falls under the Pusat Zeni Angkatan Darat or Army Corps of Engineers. But its history stretches back further. It evolved from PUSNUBIKA. This earlier unit was active in 1966.
Kizinubika is no ordinary military unit. It is the only one of its kind in Indonesia. It is the sole unit in the Indonesian Army prepared to deal with nuclear, biological, and chemical dangers. Think of it as Indonesia’s shield against unseen enemies.
This unit works closely with various national bodies. These include BRIN the National Research and Innovation Agency, and Bapeten the Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency. Collaboration extends to Balai Besar Penelitian Veteriner and Batan. Batan is the National Nuclear Energy Agency. Kemenkes the Ministry of Health and the Satuan KBR. The Satuan KBR is the Chemical, Biological, Radioactive unit of the National Police’s Gegana force. All these collaborations ensure Kizinubika remains at the forefront. They ensure it is ready to face any threat.
Originally a kompi a company Kizinubika underwent a significant upgrade on August 14, 2024. It was officially elevated to Detasemen status. Mayjen TNI Budi Hariswanto, Kepala Pusat Zeni TNI Angkatan Darat, oversaw the ceremony. Kapten Czi Satrio Bawono became the first Komandan Detasemen.
Kizinubika has moved its headquarters several times. From 1986 to 1992, it was located in Cijantung Timur. Then it moved to Jl. Slamet Riyadi III, Jakarta Timur from 1992 to 1997. Since 1997, its home has been in Parung, Bogor Regency.
Kizinubika has contributed to numerous domestic operations. These include natural disaster relief in Flores and Aceh. It has been involved in Operation Tinombala. This involved counter-terrorism efforts in Poso. The unit provided security for high-profile events. These included ASEAN Summits, G-8 meetings, UNESCAP conferences, and the G20 Bali Summit in 2022.
Kizinubika has also participated in international peacekeeping missions. Though not always as the main force, their contributions have been significant. They served with Garuda contingents in various UN missions. These include missions in Cambodia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Congo and Haiti.
The unit has been involved in handling hazardous materials incidents. These include the 1986 toxic gas leak in Dieng. They investigated a former Dutch warehouse in Dago-Bandung in 1987. They oversaw the disposal of hazardous waste in Bojong Rangkong in 1991. They responded to the bird flu outbreak in Jakarta Timur.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kizinubika played a vital role. They helped evacuate and observe Indonesians from the Grand Princess cruise ship. They were also involved in managing the Wisma Atlet Emergency Hospital.
Kizinubika’s story is one of constant evolution. It is a story of dedication. It is a commitment to safeguarding Indonesia. From its humble beginnings as a kompi to its current status as a detasemen, Kizinubika stands ready. It will protect the nation from invisible threats.