Indonesian Army: Sumatra Flood Response Sped Up by Territorial Development Battalions

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Army stated that disaster management in several Sumatran regions has been faster due to the Territorial Development Battalions (Yon TP) established in those areas.

“Why am I mentioning emergencies and disasters? It has been proven that disasters in Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra were handled quickly thanks to the Territorial Development Battalions established there in 2025,” said Head of the Indonesian Army Public Relations Office, Brigadier General Donny Pramono, in Gambir, Central Jakarta, on Friday, 29 May 2026.

“Without the Territorial Development Battalions there, evacuations would have been possible but slow. With them, evacuation and recovery activities can be carried out swiftly,” he added.

He said the presence of military units in the regions not only provides security but also drives local economic development and growth.

For example, Donny recounted his experience as Commander of the Lebak District Military Command (Dandim) in Banten.

At that time, the 14th Infantry Battalion/Mandala Yudha Kostrad was established in Lebak, which was previously a remote area he described as a “jinn dumping ground”.

According to Donny, economic activity in the area has surged since the battalion’s presence.

“We can see the economy there: small shops, tailors, Alfamart, and Indomaret have opened. When I first became Dandim, the area was deserted, with only the battalion and a few houses,” he added.

Land prices in the area have also risen.

“Before the battalion was established, land prices there were extremely low. People didn’t want to buy there. Now, prices are very high. Colleagues can verify this in Lebak. That is one example. Similarly, the current Territorial Development Battalions being established,” he said.

Beyond the economy, Donny noted that Yon TP also impacts the healthcare sector, as each unit includes a health company to assist medical services in remote areas.