Indonesian Army Claims Territorial Development Battalion Construction Boosts Local Land Prices

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Indonesian Army (AD) claims that the construction of Territorial Development Battalions (Yon TP) will lead to increased land prices for local residents in surrounding areas.

‘Even land becomes expensive there. Before the battalion was built, land prices were very low. People didn’t want to buy there. But now it’s very high,’ said Brigadier General Donny Pramono, Head of the Army Information Service, in Gambir, Central Jakarta, on Friday, 29 May 2026.

The statement was made during Donny’s presentation on the economic impact of Yon TP construction, which is currently being accelerated by the military.

The 14th Infantry Battalion/Mandala Yudha Kostrad was built in Lebak, a previously remote area.

‘But with the battalion’s presence, when I visited recently, the surrounding community has become prosperous. You can see the economy there – there are warungs open, tailors, Alfamart, Indomaret,’ he said.

According to Donny, when he first visited the site as a district commander, the area was still quiet with only civilian settlements around the battalion.

Now, he said, residents have started various businesses such as eateries and tailoring services.

Therefore, Donny stressed that the presence of military units is not an economic burden for the region but rather a driver of local economic growth.

Besides the economy, Yon TP construction also supports emergency and disaster response efforts.

Donny noted that disaster management in several Sumatran regions has been faster due to Yon TP units established there.

‘We cannot imagine there being no Territorial Development Battalion there. Evacuation would have been slow. But with the Territorial Development Battalion, evacuation and recovery activities can be carried out swiftly,’ he said.

Donny reiterated that Yon TP’s role is not to replace civilian institutions but to assist and support national development in the regions.