| Country: | Indonesia |
| Details of Formation: | Team Saka originated in Bacau in 1983 during an earlier operation by the military in East Timor against the secessionists (Operation Kikis). Its existence was based on the Constitution and Law No 20/1982. Apparently the group was active throughout the 1990s and it resurfaced as an active organization in January 1998, as a pro-integration military-sponsored militia. |
| Details of Termination: | On 25 October 1999, the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) was established by resolution 1272 passed by the UN Security Council. The UNTAET was responsible for administration, security, and maintaining law in the transition period for an independent state of East Timor which was officially created in May 2002. This date is used as the termination date for the group. |
| Purpose: | The pro-integration PGM was used to fight against the Fretilin and Falintil in East Timor and to attack independence supporters. It was also meant to uphold public order and protect the population. It patrolled the streets and ran security networks, being used as a replacement for the military because it could operate more quickly. |
| Organisation: | Team Saka was sponsored and commanded by the military and conducted operations in cooperation with the army. Its leader was associated with Kopassus and members of the group were former Kopassus/military. According to one source it was a special unit of the military as all members were official soldiers. It operated at the district level in Bacau. |
| Weapons and Training: | The group was armed and trained by the military. Weapons reported include M16 rifles, AK-47s, grenades, machetes, bows and arrows |
| Size: | -- |
| Reason for Membership: | -- |
| Treatment of Civilians: | The group suppressed and attacked independence supporters, raped and murdered the families of guerilla fighters and tortured and arrested people suspected of being pro-independence. It also shot at and killed civilians, burned their property and intimidated them. Its actions contributed to an escalation of terror. |
| Other Information: | The group is also referred to as Saka, Tim Saka or Pusaka. |
| References: | Information was taken from news sources listed in the PGMD. |