Place One Indonesian Army Territorial Battalion in Each Regency, Army Chief of Staff Says: Residents Ask, 'When Will It Be in Our Regency?'

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Army Chief of Staff (KSAD) General TNI Maruli Simanjuntak said his side hopes to place one Territorial Development Battalion in every regency. The TNI targets to form 750 battalions by 2029. ‘Each year that means around 150 plus battalions across sub-branches: Cavalry, Armed, Engineers, and so on,’ Maruli told reporters at the House of Representatives building in Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday, 19 May 2026. Furthermore, he said, the public has even asked when a battalion will be stationed in their regency. ‘Everything is going well, the public’s response is good. In almost all places, they are now asking, ’When will it be in our regency?’’ He said. However, after explanations to the public, there are no issues. Meanwhile, Maruli stated that the formation of battalions will be prioritised in border areas, not Java Island. ‘Yes, including all of that. The primary defence, and continuing to assist development. So a lot will happen; now the President’s program is to help the people. There are bridges, clean water, what else? Then readiness for natural disasters; we are facing drought, we will start drilling for water. So, everyone works,’ Maruli explained.