Defence Minister Inspects Infantry Battalion Headquarters in Detail, Including Damaged Facilities

EAST BELITUNG, KOMPAS.com — Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin visited the Yonif TP 845/Ksatria Satam (Territorial Development Infantry Battalion) at Simpang Tiga, Simpang Renggiang, East Belitung, Bangka Belitung Islands, conducting a thorough inspection of the headquarters down to detailed facility conditions including sanitation facilities.

Sjafrie’s visit took place on Tuesday (17 March 2026).

Sjafrie alighted from a white Toyota Alphard at approximately 09.38 WIB. He was accompanied by Vice TNI Commander General Tandyo Budi Revita, Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Muhammad Saleh Mustafa, and Defence Ministry Chief of Logistics Brigadier General Yusuf Jauhari.

The reception began with military honours, including salutes as a mark of respect to the senior official, followed by a guard of honour with armed personnel standing in formation as an official military tradition.

However, instead of following the red carpet reception protocol, Sjafrie changed direction and briefly conversed with the Battalion Commander and Regional Military Commander II/Sriwijaya Major General Ujang Darwis.

During their discussion, Sjafrie drew attention to the environmental conditions of the unit. He issued orders for tree planting around the barracks.

The inspection continued to the junior enlisted quarters, the living accommodation for initial-rank soldiers or young conscripts. Inside the room were bunk beds or tiered sleeping arrangements, commonly used in military facilities for space efficiency.

Sjafrie knocked on the door and then examined the condition of the facilities inside, including chairs deemed unfit for use.