Defence Minister Urges Soldiers to Serve the People, Highlights Development Battalion's Community Programmes

Tasikmalaya, West Java (ANTARA) - Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has asked the soldiers of the Territorial Development Battalion (Yon TP) to give their best performance in serving the people.

Sjafrie made the remark during a visit to Yon TP 939/Macan Putih in Tasikmalaya, West Java, on Wednesday.

“The Territorial Development Battalion exists to serve the interests of the people. Because we, TNI soldiers, are the people’s army. We are the people’s army, we were born from the people,” Sjafrie told the soldiers during his visit to the battalion.

According to Sjafrie, Yon TP personnel must be aware that all the facilities they have at the barracks are gifts from the people.

He also emphasised that all the clothing and food consumed by the soldiers are provided by the people.

Therefore, he asked the soldiers not to become arrogant figures who hurt the people’s feelings.

While serving in the Yon TP, Sjafrie said the soldiers must deliver positive impacts in terms of regional security and economic improvement.

This, according to Sjafrie, can be achieved because the Yon TP has a variety of community programmes, ranging from vegetable plantations and healthcare services to local infrastructure development.

Through these various programmes, Sjafrie hopes the Yon TP will not only provide a sense of security but also improve the welfare of local communities.

“While you are here, you must repay the people’s kindness to you, so that you can sit as you do now. Do you understand?” Sjafrie said to the soldiers.

“Understood, sir,” the soldiers replied in unison.

For context, the current location of Yon TP 939/Macan Putih is only temporary, as its main barracks are 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 local residents to enjoy, to supporting facilities for the soldiers such as a kitchen and beds.

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

The Yon TP site covers approximately 3.5 hectares. It is estimated that by 2027, all the soldiers will move to Cipatujah.

There, the Yon TP will stand on a 40-hectare plot of land. The battalion plans to build a 10-hectare agricultural zone at the site.