The 3 Levels of Security Guard Training in Indonesia, Explained

2020 was a turning point for the security guard profession in Indonesia. Through Police Regulation (Perpol) Number 4 of 2020 on Self-Security (Pengamanan Swakarsa), the government officially recognized security guards not just as workers filling a post but as a profession. A profession with a defined career path, a rank structure, and strict competency standards enforced by the Indonesian National Police.

That recognition came with a consequence: every aspiring security guard must complete certified training before they can legally work. And this training is not a rubber stamp. There are three levels tied to specific career stages — Gada Pratama, Gada Madya, and Gada Utama — each with its own curriculum, duration, and entry requirements.

This article covers all three levels, including the legal basis, participant requirements, what is taught, and how certification works.

Security Guards Are a Profession, Not Just Gatekeepers

A lot of people still think security guards just stand in front of buildings and open parking gates. The reality is different. Under Perpol 4/2020, Article 1, Paragraph 2, a security guard is defined as a professional unit carrying out limited, non-judicial police functions. That means they perform a subset of policing duties within their assigned workplace.

Their core responsibilities fall into four categories: physical security, personnel security, information security, and technical security operations. They also protect the work environment from security disruptions and enforce applicable rules and order.

Because the job directly concerns public safety, the government requires formal training. Without it, a security guard cannot receive their diploma or their KTA (Member Identity Card) — two documents that prove legal authorization to work.

The Legal Framework You Should Actually Be Referencing

Before 2020, security guard regulations still referred to Perkap Number 24 of 2007 and Perkap Number 18 of 2006 on training curriculum. Both have been revoked.

The regulations in effect now are Perpol Number 4 of 2020 on Self-Security, which is the primary regulation governing the formation, training, ranking, and supervision of security guards. Perpol Number 1 of 2023 amended certain provisions of Perpol 4/2020, mainly regarding uniform and attribute requirements. SKKNI 259 of 2018 is the Indonesian National Work Competency Standard that forms the basis for competency-based training curriculum. And KEP/54/I/2023 governs the specific training curriculum for all three gada qualification levels.

Why does this matter? Because a large number of articles and websites still cite Perkap 18/2006 as the legal basis for security guard training. That information is outdated.

Level 1: Gada Pratama — Entry-Level Training

Gada Pratama is the entry point. Every aspiring security guard must pass this training before they can work legally. The goal is to build the foundational skills and capabilities needed for a frontline security operative.

Training duration is approximately 232 lesson hours, typically running 3 to 5 weeks depending on the training institution. The curriculum covers a wide range of material: security fundamentals, professional ethics, laws related to security operations, patrol and guarding techniques, self-defense, explosive material awareness, narcotics knowledge, and emergency response procedures including fire and evacuation scenarios.

Participant requirements include a minimum age of 18 and a maximum of 50 at the time of registration, minimum height of 165 cm for men and 160 cm for women, passing a physical and mental health examination, being drug-free, holding a valid SKCK (Police Clearance Certificate), and passing a psychological assessment.

One thing that often gets missed: retired Indonesian Police (Polri) and Military (TNI) personnel with ranks of Tamtama and Bintara are still required to complete Gada Pratama if they want to work as security guards. Prior military or police rank does not automatically substitute for this certification.

After passing, participants receive a Gada Pratama diploma and become eligible for a KTA Satpam.

Level 2: Gada Madya — Supervisor Training

Security guards with field experience who want to move into supervisor or squad commander (Danru) positions need Gada Madya. This level focuses on leadership ability and more complex security management.

The duration is shorter — around 160 lesson hours, or 2 to 3 weeks. But the material is considerably heavier than Gada Pratama. Participants study security management, risk analysis, investigation techniques, conflict management, advanced security law, and communication skills for leading a team.

To qualify, candidates must have already passed Gada Pratama and hold the certificate, have 2 to 3 years of working experience as a security guard (this varies by institution), be at least 21 years old, pass a physical and mental health check and be drug-free, and provide a recommendation letter from their employer.

Gada Madya graduates can fill supervisor or security team coordinator positions. They are responsible for arranging patrol schedules, leading guard teams, and making decisions during security incidents.

Level 3: Gada Utama — Security Manager Training

This is the highest level. Gada Utama is for security guards who will hold managerial positions — chief security officer or security manager overseeing an organization's entire security operation.

Training runs for 100 lesson hours, about 2 weeks. The material is strategic in nature: security system planning and evaluation, human resource management for security personnel, task and activity analysis, and problem-solving at a managerial scope.

Entry requirements are stricter. Candidates must have passed Gada Madya, have at least 6 years of working experience in the security field, hold a minimum of 3 years experience with a D3 diploma or 2 years with an S1 degree, and provide an employer recommendation letter. Retired military or police officers must hold at least a First Officer (Perwira Pertama / Pama) rank.

Gada Utama graduates are expected to have a thorough understanding of security management and the ability to handle complex, large-scale situations.

The curriculum is strategic — system planning, resource management, and complex problem-solving. Graduates qualify for managerial positions.

How Certification and Induction Actually Work

Passing the training is only half the process. Here is how the full sequence runs.

The BUJP (Security Service Business Entity) or the organization using the security service submits a registration request and KTA issuance application to the Chief of Police (Kapolri). The candidate then completes training at an institution licensed by the Indonesian National Police. After being declared as having passed, they receive their diploma and KTA.

The final step is induction (pengukuhan) — a formal procedure that officially confirms a person's status as a licensed security guard authorized to carry out duties.

On competency testing, Perpol 4/2020 stipulates that testing can be conducted at the earliest 2 years after a person has held their current rank. The test is administered by a Professional Certification Body (LSP) that holds a license from the National Professional Certification Agency (BNSP) and a recommendation from the Indonesian National Police.

What This Means for Your Business

If you manage an office building, industrial estate, residential complex, or commercial facility, the quality of the security guards you use has a direct effect on your operational security. Certified guards know how to respond to incidents, understand the boundaries of their authority, and can coordinate with police when needed.

There is also a legal compliance angle. Using security guards who lack proper certification and a valid KTA means your business is operating outside regulatory requirements. The risk is not just about security gaps — it includes potential sanctions.

SECOM Indonesia provides security personnel who are trained and certified according to current Indonesian standards. Our guards go through regular follow-up training to keep their competencies current. If you want to understand how SECOM's security services can protect your operations, contact us for a free consultation