Panglima

Panglima a military title used in Indonesia and Malaysia, and historically in the Philippines. It means 'a commander of a body of troops' deriving from lima, a long-obsolete word for 'hand'. In the past it is used to call some prominent military leaders in Malay world. The prominent Malacca and succeeding Johor Sultanates place the position of a penglima as below that of a mantri. Walter William Skeat writes that Semang tribes north of Malay Peninsula are often headed by shamans also titled pelima.
In modern times it is reserved for the chiefs of the armed forces of Indonesia and Malaysia and some other posts.

Use in Indonesia

As stipulated in article 10 of Indonesian Constitution, the President of Indonesia is the Supreme Commander of Indonesian Armed Forces. Essentially it is parallel to the title 'Commander-in-Chief' in other countries, e.g. the United States.
During the Old Order era, this title is included into many honorific titles that were often mentioned each time Sukarno's name was written or read in speeches, edicts, or news.

In Indonesian National Armed Forces, the highest position overseeing the three branches—Army, Navy, and Air Force—is known as the Panglima Tentara National Indonesia. Before the National Police separated from the Armed Forces in 2000, the organization comprised four branches and was known as Angkatan Bersenjata Republik Indonesia. This included the TNI and the Police. The commander of the Armed Forces at that time was referred to as the Panglima ABRI, commonly abbreviated as Pangab.
According to the revised Constitution, the Panglima is appointed by the president, but the appointment must first be confirmed by the House of Representatives. Prior to the 2002 constitutional amendment, the president held the prerogative to appoint or dismiss the Panglima at their discretion.

The honorific title Panglima Besar, meaning 'Grand Commander' was informally bestowed upon Sudirman, the first Commander of the Armed Forces and a key leader of guerilla war during Indonesian National Revolution.

Other military uses

The title Panglima is widely used across various branches and formations within the Indonesian Armed Forces, signifying its importance in military leadership roles:

Army

The commander of Kostrad, a strategic reserve command within the Army, is referred to as the Panglima Kostrad. Notably, the first Panglima Kostrad was Suharto, who later became the President of Indonesia, followed by Umar Wirahadikusumah, who went on to serve as the Vice President of Indonesia.
The commanders of the 15 Regional Military Commands are known as Panglima Daerah Militer.
The commander of Kopassus, a special forces command within the Army, is referred to as the Panglima Kopassus.

Navy

The commanders of the three Fleet Commands hold the title Panglima Armada I/II/III.
The highest position in the Military Sea-lift Command is held by the Panglima Kolinlamil.
The commander of Indonesian Marine Corps, the naval infantry and main amphibious warfare force of Indonesia within the Navy, is referred to as the Panglima Korps Marinir.

Air Force

The commander of the Indonesian National [Air Defense Forces Command|National Air Defense Command] is referred to as the Panglima Kohanudnas.
The commander of the National Air Operations Command is referred to as the Panglima Koopsudnas.
The commanders of the three Air Force Regional Commands are titled Panglima Kodau I/II/III.
The commander of Kopasgat, the air force infantry and special forces corps of the Indonesian Air Force within the Air Force, is referred to as the Panglima Kopasgat.

Past usage

Upon the formation of the Fourth Working Cabinet on 19 November 1963, the title Panglima was used for the commanders of each branch of the Indonesian Armed Forces. These commanders were also members of the Cabinet and were therefore given the title Menteri, appointed directly by the President. Their titles were as follows:

This practice was discontinued during the New Order era, when the title Panglima was replaced with Kepala Staf for the commanders of the three military branches and Kepala Kepolisian Republik Indonesia for the Chief of the National Police.
Additionally, until January 2022, the National Air Defence Forces Command also used the title Panglima for its highest position, Panglima Kohanudnas, as well as for the commanders of each Air Defense Sector.

Use in Malaysia

In the Malaysian Armed Forces, the highest position overseeing the branches—Army, Navy, and Air Force—is called the Chief of Defence Forces .

Each branch of the Malaysian Armed Forces is headed by a Panglima. Chief of Army is known as the Panglima Tentera Darat, the Chief of Navy as the Panglima Tentera Laut, and the Chief of Air Force as the Panglima Tentera Udara. Each of these branches also has a deputy commander, titled Timbalan Panglima.

Other uses

The term 'Panglima' is also used in several titles within the orders and decorations of Malaysia, such as Order of the Defender of the Realm#Commander, Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia#Commander, Order of Meritorious Service#About the award, and Order of Loyalty to the Royal Family of Malaysia#Commander.
Additionally, PASKAL, Royal Malaysian Navy's special operation force, is also referred to as PASKAL#Panglima Hitam.

Other usage

Panglima Estino - 5th class municipality in the province of Sulu, Philippines.
Panglima Sugala - 3rd class municipality in the province of Tawi-Tawi, Philippines.
RSS Panglima - was the first ship of the Republic of Singapore Navy. Naval Military Experts Institute, co-located in Changi Naval Base, is named RSS Panglima in honour of the first ship of the navy.