Defence Ministry Builds Yon TP in Lamongan, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin: This is to Help the People
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Indonesia’s Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin stated that the presence of Territorial Development Battalion (Yon TP) 887/KTM in Slaharwotan Village, Sambeng Subdistrict, Lamongan Regency, will impact community welfare, particularly in the food sector.
Sjafrie conveyed this during his inspection of the Yon TP 887/KTM construction process on Wednesday (29/4/2026).
“The presence of Yon TP 887/KTM in Lamongan is not only for defence but also to assist the people. Soldiers will be involved in food security programmes, disaster mitigation, and territorial development,” Sjafrie said in a press release quoted on Wednesday.
“Yon TP 887/KTM is a new concept for the Indonesian Army (TNI AD). In addition to safeguarding sovereignty, soldiers will also serve as the driving force for development in the area. Lamongan was chosen due to its significant potential,” he emphasised.
During his visit, he ensured that the construction is proceeding smoothly and that the unit can soon become operational, complete with facilities such as soldiers’ barracks, fields, and integrated food security land.
Previously reported, the Ministry of Defence (Kemenhan) targets building 150 Territorial Development Battalions (Yon TP) each year.
“And the plan is to build 150 Territorial Development Battalions each year,” said the Head of the Defence Information Bureau of the Ministry of Defence, Brigadier General TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait, when met at the Ministry of Defence, Jakarta, on Friday (24/4/2026).
However, Rico did not provide further details regarding the Yon TP construction.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Army Information Service (Kadispenad), Brigadier General TNI Donny Pramono, previously revealed that there are currently around 30 Territorial Development Brigades (BTP) and 155 Territorial Development Battalions (Yon TP).
Donny stated that the formation of these units is being carried out gradually in accordance with the established plan.
“So, we convey that to date, the number of deployed units is around 30 Territorial Development Brigades (BTP) and 155 Territorial Development Battalions (Yon TP),” Donny explained when confirmed, on Thursday (23/4/2026).
The Indonesian Army targets the formation of around 750 units, consisting of 593 Yon TP as well as 157 combat support and administrative support units.
“All of this will be implemented gradually, measurably, and based on regional needs, in accordance with the planning of TNI Headquarters and the Ministry of Defence,” he emphasised.