February 19, 2026 | 04:34 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin stated that the existence of the Territorial Development Infantry Battalion (Yonif TP) is a symbol of the state's presence. He claimed that these military bases provide a sense of security to the public.
This statement was made by Sjafrie during a working visit to the 888/Satria Sejati Infantry Battalion (Yonif TP) in Bangunrejo, Pamotan, Rembang, Central Java, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. "The existence of the TP Battalion is a symbol of the state's presence, providing a sense of security, hope, and a stronger future for the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia," he said, as quoted in a press release on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
According to him, the establishment of battalions in every district and city is the state's effort to strengthen defense and create disciplined, combat-ready units that provide tangible benefits to the community.
He hopes these development battalions can grow into a professional, solid, and socially accepted territorial force.
In the 2025-2029 National Long-Term Development Plan, the territorial development battalions mentioned by Sjafrie will be established in every district and city, totaling 514 battalions.
In line with this, the government also plans for each army development battalion to be flanked by two reserve component battalions to bolster defense forces. Therefore, 1,080 reserve component battalions will be established across Indonesia this year.
Centra Initiative, a civil society organization focused on defense issues, criticized the plan to expand the number of Indonesian Army (TNI) headquarters. Centra Initiative Chair Al Araf believes this defense strategy is flawed. In the current era of modern warfare, he believes that what must be strengthened is defense technology and the professionalism of TNI soldiers, as key components in combat.
Al Araf cited the Russia-Ukraine conflict as an example, illustrating how today's wars rely more heavily on sophisticated technology. He argued that building numerous battalions would only burden finances. The budget should be used to optimize the training of soldiers, whose capabilities are currently below standard, and to replace the Indonesian army's aging and obsolete primary weapons systems.
For Al Araf, from the outset, the defense concept of establishing a development battalion and two reserve component battalions in each region lacked a clear purpose. "In the end, this development is just a project," he said on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
Read: Report Cites Alleged TNI Involvement in August 2025 Riot
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