Ministry of Defence Explains PT Pindad's Reasons for Building Ammunition Factory in Batulicin

The Ministry of Defence (Kemhan) fully supports the construction of an ammunition factory owned by PT Pindad in Batulicin, South Kalimantan, to meet the munitions supply needs of Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) personnel in the region. Head of the Defence Information Bureau at the Ministry’s Secretariat General, Brigadier General TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait, stated that this project is a concrete step to strengthen domestic military logistics fulfilment. “The construction of the munitions factory in Batulicin is part of the defence industry development programme by PT Pindad, which aligns with the Ministry of Defence’s policy to support the fulfilment of munitions needs for the TNI,” Rico said in Jakarta on Monday (6/7/2026). Rico explained that the factory’s development is a strategic move by the Ministry of Defence to strengthen various aspects of national defence. He noted that the facility’s existence would reduce Indonesia’s dependence on foreign ammunition supplies. The Ministry of Defence hopes that with the presence of the ammunition factory, PT Pindad will become more self-reliant. Furthermore, the munitions delivery process will be faster and more targeted, ensuring that the needs of every TNI unit can be met optimally. Rico further revealed several technical and geographical factors that led to South Kalimantan being chosen as the location for the defence manufacturing expansion. “The selection of Batulicin was, of course, based on various technical and strategic considerations, including land availability, regional accessibility, potential infrastructure support, and South Kalimantan’s strategic position in supporting distribution and strengthening the national defence industry,” Rico clarified.