Defence Minister cites formation of 750 new battalions to curb crime
Jakarta (ANTARA) – Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin outlined the reasons for forming 750 new battalions by 2029, among them to curb crime and strengthen the social environment. Speaking at a working meeting with Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) at the Parliament complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday, he explained that the presence of battalions, particularly the territorial development units, could help maintain security and public order.
‘Before there were territorial development battalions, there were no troops in that district; it was empty. What happened? Mugging and crime were very high, but after we arrived and built bases, crime decreased by a certain percentage,’ he said.
He noted that one of the tasks of the territorial development battalions is to conduct around-the-area patrols. According to him, such patrols could help build a system of neighbourhood security so that crime cases could be prevented.
Moreover, Sjafrie explained that the formation of battalions also strengthens the social environment. In this context, soldiers from diverse religious backgrounds can work together with the community to keep social life harmonious.
‘So, the community feels somewhat warmer with the presence of the territorial battalions,’ he said.
On the other hand, the Defence Minister said the presence of soldiers in the regions could also support the local economy. ‘For example, the lowest salary for a soldier is Rp6 million per person. If there are 1,000 people in one battalion and they spend Rp1 million every month, that amounts to Rp1 billion in the village and district where they are. I see every time I visit battalions there are many cafés and warungs that appear. That means SMEs are growing,’ he said.
The impact of battalion presence in the region is also said to be felt in the health sector. The Ministry of Defence and the TNI have adopted a policy of one soldier donating blood three times a year to assist the poor. ‘We have created our own blood bank to accommodate those who wish to donate, and the blood donated by soldiers is provided free of charge to the needy,’ said Sjafrie.
Earlier, Head of the Army Public Information Service, Brigadier General Donny Pramono, explained that the plan to form 750 battalions comprises 593 territorial development battalions and 157 combat and administrative support units.