Defence Minister asks students, NGOs to be invited to Yon TP to see community programmes

Tasikmalaya, West Java (ANTARA) - Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has asked the leadership of the 939/Macan Putih Territorial Development Battalion (Yon TP) in Tasikmalaya, West Java, to invite students and non-governmental organisations (LSM) to visit the battalion’s headquarters.

According to Sjafrie, this needs to be done so that the public is educated about the existence of the territorial infantry battalion and its community-oriented programmes.

“Give them an explanation. We have no intention of militarising Tasikmalaya, but rather we want Tasikmalaya to be a place where the people truly hold sovereignty,” Sjafrie told the ranks of Yon TP 939/Macan Putih Tasikmalaya during a visit to the battalion on Wednesday.

According to Sjafrie, the primary task of a Yon TP unit is to provide the best possible service to rural communities.

That service can be delivered through the various programmes run by the battalion, from managing plantation land for residents to enjoy, providing healthcare services, carrying out local infrastructure development programmes, and creating a safe environment for residents.

Meanwhile, Sjafrie also reminded the soldiers of Yon TP not to be arrogant and to serve the people wholeheartedly.

He said such arrogance must be eliminated, because all the facilities enjoyed by soldiers, from clothing and food to barracks, are gifts from the people.

“So there is nothing wrong with repaying the people with whatever abilities we have,” he said.

By taking a humanitarian approach to the people, Sjafrie believes the presence of Yon TP can be well received by the community.

It should be noted that the current location of Yon TP 939/Macan Putih is temporary, as its main headquarters is being built in a coastal area, namely Cipatujah, Tasikmalaya.

Although only a temporary site, the battalion is already equipped with various facilities, from vegetable plantations for nearby residents to enjoy, to support facilities for soldiers such as kitchens and beds.

As observed by ANTARA at the location, several vegetable gardens cultivated by Yon TP soldiers were visible, including maize, pak choi, aubergine, and chilli plantations.

The battalion’s area covers approximately 3.5 hectares. It is estimated that by 2027, all soldiers will relocate to Cipatujah.

There, the battalion will stand on a 40-hectare site. The battalion plans to build a 10-hectare agricultural zone at the location.