NTT Deputy Governor: Kodam Sobe Sonbai to Strengthen Border Security
Kupang (ANTARA) - The Deputy Governor of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Johni Asadoma, stated that the inauguration of Kodam XXVII/Sobe Sonbai is a significant step in strengthening defence and driving development in the border regions between Indonesia-Timor Leste and Indonesia-Australia.
“The presence of Kodam XXVII/Sobe Sonbai is a tangible manifestation of the central government’s commitment to strengthening national sovereignty at the frontline,” he said when contacted from Kupang on Monday.
Johni made these remarks after attending the Parade and Inauguration Ceremony of New Units in conjunction with the 81st Anniversary of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) at the TNI Headquarters Prima Field, Cilangkap, East Jakarta, on Monday (5/10).
According to him, NTT’s position, which directly borders Timor-Leste and Australia, makes the strengthening of the defence structure in the region strategically significant.
He noted that the existence of Kodam XXVII/Sobe Sonbai is not only related to increasing defence readiness but also creates opportunities to strengthen synergy between the TNI and local governments in supporting development and the welfare of border communities.
“Border communities are the nation’s vanguard. Therefore, regional security must go hand in hand with infrastructure development, public services, and the economic recovery of border areas,” he said.
Johni emphasised that the inauguration of Kodam XXVII/Sobe Sonbai is part of strengthening the defence and security structure, particularly in guarding land and sea borders while simultaneously supporting regional development.
The 81st TNI Anniversary ceremony, themed “Strong TNI with the People, Sovereign, Just, and Prosperous Indonesia,” was led directly by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, acting as the inspector of the ceremony.
On this occasion, the President inaugurated 204 new TNI units and symbolically inaugurated several Regional Military Commanders (Pangdam).
The six newly inaugurated Kodams include Kodam XXV/Mahmud Riayat Syah in the Riau Islands led by Major General TNI Rionardo, Kodam XXVI/Matrium in DI Yogyakarta led by Major General TNI Drajad Brima Yoga, and Kodam XXVII/Sobe Sonbai in NTT led by Major General TNI Thevi Angandowa Zebua.
Furthermore, the new commands include Kodam XXVIII/Molku Kie Raha in North Maluku led by Major General TNI Nefra Firdaus, Kodam XXIX/Mambruk in Central Papua led by Major General TNI Aminton Manurung, and Kodam XXX/Rinambora in West Nusa Tenggara led by Major General TNI Edi Saputra.
In addition to the six new Kodams, the formation of these 204 units includes 30 Territorial Development Infantry Brigades, 150 Territorial Development Infantry Battalions, as well as several new units within the Indonesian Navy and Indonesian Air Force.