DPR: As TNI Units Increase, Operational Capabilities Must Keep Pace

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Deputy Chairman of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Sukamta, has warned that the addition of 204 new TNI units must be followed by an increase in operational capabilities, ranging from personnel readiness and main weapon systems (alutsista) to budgetary support.

In a statement received in Jakarta on Tuesday, Sukamta noted that strengthening the TNI structure is necessary given Indonesia’s vast territory and the continuously evolving dynamics of security threats.

“I welcome this strengthening. Indonesia’s territory is very vast, consisting of thousands of islands and situated in a highly strategic region. Security dynamics are also constantly evolving. Therefore, the TNI’s ability to be present and move quickly across all Indonesian territories indeed needs to be continuously strengthened,” he said.

President Prabowo Subianto previously inaugurated 204 new TNI units during the 81st Anniversary of the TNI in Jakarta on Monday (5/10).

These new units include six Regional Military Commands (Kodam), 30 Territorial Development Infantry Brigades, 150 Territorial Development Infantry Battalions, as well as several new units within the Indonesian Navy and Air Force.

He stated that structural expansion requires sufficient and high-quality personnel, weaponry, logistics, infrastructure, command and control systems, as well as budgetary support.

“We must ensure that while the organisation grows, its operational capabilities do not fail to grow proportionally,” he remarked.

He added that the ultimate goal of strengthening the TNI is not merely the increase in the number of Kodams, brigades, battalions, or squadrons, but rather the enhancement of Indonesia’s combat power and deterrence.

Sukamta noted that the six new Kodams are located in regions with different characteristics, namely Riau Islands, Special Region of Yogyakarta, West Nusa Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara, North Maluku, and Central Papua.

“They do not all have to be developed using the same pattern,” he said.

Sukamta also highlighted the large-scale formation of territorial development units. According to him, the TNI has a long history of assisting communities and development in various regions, particularly those still in need of support.

However, he noted that the execution of this role must be maintained proportionally so that the TNI’s primary duty as the state’s defence instrument remains the main orientation.

“We also need to recognise that the nature of threats is constantly changing. Today, we are talking about drones, precision missiles, unmanned systems, cyber attacks, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, and information operations,” he said.

“Therefore, the strengthening of territorial structures needs to go hand-in-hand with the modernisation of weaponry, technological mastery, the strengthening of intelligence, and the enhancement of joint inter-service operational capabilities,” he continued.

In his view, the success of forming 204 new units must ultimately be measured by the increased readiness of the TNI, the speed of responding to threats, and the ability to safeguard all Indonesian territories.

“That is what we need to support and monitor together,” he said.

He expressed his appreciation for the soldiers’ dedication to maintaining Indonesia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as assisting the public during difficult times.

“Happy 81st Anniversary to the Indonesian National Armed Forces. May the TNI become increasingly professional, modern, and strong, remaining one with the people and always serving as the guardian of the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia,” he concluded.