Defence Minister Inspects Kitchen Facilities at Belitung Timur Battalion, Warns Against Middlemen Purchases

BELITUNG TIMUR — Indonesia’s Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin visited the kitchen facilities of Batalyon Infanteri Teritorial Pembangunan (Yon TP) 845/Ksatria Satam in Simpang Tiga, Simpang Renggiang, Belitung Timur, Kepulauan Bangka Belitung on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, and called on TNI soldiers to refrain from purchasing food supplies from middlemen.

“Do not buy supplies from middlemen,” Sjafrie stated whilst walking through the kitchen facility, which was presented as clean and well-organised, reflecting disciplined military logistics standards.

Upon entering the kitchen area, Sjafrie moved slowly through the space as soldiers stood in formation to provide briefings. Several soldiers wearing aprons and head coverings stood ready near cooking stoves and metal cooking equipment arranged on long tables.

Sjafrie listened to soldiers’ presentations regarding kitchen management, including the types of food provisions, daily menu planning, and cooking equipment in use. He emphasised proper nutrition standards, stating: “Eggs cannot be omelettes. One egg per person,” whilst pointing to food items and asserting that each soldier must receive adequate nutrition without reduction.

Sjafrie was accompanied by TNI Vice Commander General Tandyo Budi Revita, Army Chief of Staff Deputy Lieutenant General Muhammad Saleh Mustafa, and Defence Ministry Logistics Head Air Marshal Yusuf Jauhari.