Defence Minister Urges Territorial Development Battalion to Safeguard Security and Boost Local Economy
Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin conducted a working visit to the Headquarters of the 855/Raksaka Dharma (RD) Territorial Development Infantry Battalion (Yonif TP) in Panglima Linting Village, Dabun Gelang District, Gayo Lues Regency, Aceh Province, on Thursday (18/06/2026).
The visit was carried out to ensure the readiness of territorial development units, which serve as the spearhead for strengthening regional defence while simultaneously supporting national development programmes in the regions.
During the visit, Sjafrie received a direct briefing from the Commander of Yonif TP 855/RD regarding the unit’s actual conditions, personnel readiness, base construction progress, and territorial development programmes being conducted alongside the local community.
Sjafrie also personally inspected various unit facilities and infrastructure developments intended to support the operations of soldiers in the remote areas of Aceh. As a strategic unit, Yonif TP 855/RD is projected to become a vital hub in strengthening the defence system in the central region of Aceh Province.
Sjafrie emphasised the importance of building units that are not only professional and adaptive but also integrated with the community. According to him, the function of the Territorial Development Infantry possesses a dual dimension.
“The presence of the Territorial Development Infantry does not only function to maintain regional security stability, but must also contribute to increasing community welfare through territorial development programmes, regional empowerment, and social activities,” Sjafrie stated in a release on Friday (19/06/2026).
Sjafrie expressed his appreciation for the concrete actions taken by the soldiers of Yonif TP 855/RD in the field, ranging from active involvement in natural disaster management and blood donation drives to various tactical efforts in assisting the livelihoods of communities surrounding the base.
Sjafrie stated that the Ministry of Defence (Kemhan) is fully committed to continuing to drive the fulfilment of personnel needs, the improvement of unit facilities, and the acceleration of supporting infrastructure.