Prabowo: TNI Recruitment Regulations Must Be Adjusted for Dayak People
President Prabowo Subianto has requested adjustments to the recruitment provisions for TNI soldiers to open wider access for the sons and daughters of the Dayak indigenous community in inland areas. This directive was discussed during a meeting between President Prabowo, the Commander of the TNI, the Chiefs of the Armed Forces, and several cabinet ministers at his residence in Hambalang, Bogor Regency, West Java, on Saturday (29/8).
The meeting, which lasted from afternoon until evening, addressed several strategic agendas, including policies regarding the recruitment of TNI personnel. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya stated that the President specifically requested updates regarding the adjustment of requirements for the inland Dayak community who wish to become TNI soldiers.
“From afternoon to evening today, President Prabowo Subintano received the Commander of the TNI, the Chiefs of the Armed Forces, along with the Minister of Defence, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, the Minister of State Secretary, and the Cabinet Secretary at the Hambalang residence, Saturday, 29 August 2026,” Teddy said in a written statement on Sunday (30/8).
According to Teddy, one of the key focuses of the meeting was the adjustment of recruitment criteria for the inland Dayak tribe. “President Prabowo requested progress on several matters, including the adjustment of requirements related to the recruitment of the inland Dayak tribe who wish to become TNI soldiers,” he explained.
This policy is aimed at providing more open opportunities for communities in inland regions who desire to serve through the TNI institution. The adjustment of recruitment regulations is also part of an effort to expand access for people from various regions and backgrounds to pursue careers as TNI soldiers.
The meeting in Hambalang was also attended by the Minister of Defence, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, the Minister of State Secretary, and the Cabinet Secretary, alongside the TNI leadership.
President Prabowo also requested that disaster management in several regions be strengthened, including the post-earthquake recovery in Flores, the handling of the impacts of the Mount Merapi eruption, and the prevention of forest and land fires (karhutla).
The government has dispatched 31 tonnes of logistics to East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and 500 water pumps to Kalimantan. The inclusion of children’s toys in the aid has gone viral and received praise from netizens.
The government is strengthening forest and land fire suppression operations in Central Kalimantan by deploying four additional water-bombing helicopters. Furthermore, President Prabowo Subianto has added 1,500 TNI personnel and six water-bombing helicopters to accelerate fire suppression in West Kalimantan.
Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya noted that a total of 52 tonnes of logistical aid has arrived in NTT to handle the impact of the M7.7 earthquake, including medical supplies and basic food necessities.