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What does the word Seroja mean?

Seroja is the Indonesian word for the lotus flower. Military leaders chose this name as the official code for their mission in East Timor. The lotus is a beautiful flower that grows in muddy water, which the military used to name their operation.

Where did the soldiers earn this medal?

Soldiers earned this medal by serving in East Timor, which is now a country called Timor-Leste. Thousands of troops were sent there to work on long military missions. This region became the main area where the Indonesian army and police served for many years.

Is the Seroja medal still handed out today?

No, the government stopped giving out this medal in 1999. That was the same year that Indonesian forces left East Timor after the people there voted for independence. Because the military mission ended, no new soldiers can earn this historical award.

Could police officers receive this medal?

Yes, police officers were able to receive this award just like the soldiers. Many members of the police force and special groups like the Mobile Brigade served in the combat zone. They were recognized for their hard work and bravery during these long years of conflict.

When did the operation start?

Operation Seroja officially began in December 1975. It turned into one of the longest and largest military deployments in the history of Indonesia. The mission involved many different branches, including the navy, air force, and army working together in the field.

What does the word Seroja mean?

Seroja is the Indonesian word for the lotus flower. Military leaders chose this name as the official code for their mission in East Timor. The lotus is a beautiful flower that grows in muddy water, which the military used to name their operation.

Where did the soldiers earn this medal?

Soldiers earned this medal by serving in East Timor, which is now a country called Timor-Leste. Thousands of troops were sent there to work on long military missions. This region became the main area where the Indonesian army and police served for many years.

Is the Seroja medal still handed out today?

No, the government stopped giving out this medal in 1999. That was the same year that Indonesian forces left East Timor after the people there voted for independence. Because the military mission ended, no new soldiers can earn this historical award.

Could police officers receive this medal?

Yes, police officers were able to receive this award just like the soldiers. Many members of the police force and special groups like the Mobile Brigade served in the combat zone. They were recognized for their hard work and bravery during these long years of conflict.

When did the operation start?

Operation Seroja officially began in December 1975. It turned into one of the longest and largest military deployments in the history of Indonesia. The mission involved many different branches, including the navy, air force, and army working together in the field.

Home Library IndonesiaSatyalancana Seroja

Campaign medal

Satyalancana Seroja

A campaign medal awarded to soldiers and police who took part in military operations in East Timor.

Indonesia Established 1976 All servicesPrecedence: Positioned alongside major post-independence campaign medals

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for honorable service during combat and stabilization operations in East Timor.

Eligibility

Members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces and National Police deployed to the East Timor theater.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Positioned alongside major post-independence campaign medals

Satyalancana Seroja, Campaign medal, Indonesia medal

History

Satyalancana Seroja was established in the late 1970s to recognize military personnel and security forces involved in Operation Seroja in East Timor. The operation began in December 1975 and evolved into years of counterinsurgency and pacification campaigns.

The medal was awarded to thousands of infantrymen, naval crew members, helicopter pilots, and police officers. It recognized deployment to the operational zone and completion of combat tours.

Following East Timor's vote for independence in 1999 and the withdrawal of Indonesian forces, the award became a closed historical campaign medal. It represents one of the longest and largest combat deployments in Indonesian military history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Operation Seroja

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Omar Dhani, including Bintang Swa Bhuwana Paksa, Bintang Jalasena, Bintang Yudha Dharma, Satyalancana Santi Dharma, Satyalancana Seroja, shown against a light Indonesia flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Cold War

Bintang Swa Bhuwana Paksa Bintang Jalasena Bintang Yudha Dharma+2

Omar Dhani

Who Was Omar Dhani?

A high-ranking Air Force officer who shaped modern Indonesian military aviation.

Indonesia1962-1976

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Sources

Back to Indonesia