Tanah Datar and Solok Opt for Deliberative Path in Border Dispute
The Tanah Datar Regency Government and the Solok Regency Government held a meeting to discuss the construction plan for the TNI Yonif TP 951/Pandeka Marapi Battalion Headquarters in the border area between Nagari Simawang, Tanah Datar Regency, and Nagari Bukik Kanduang, Solok Regency, on Sunday (28/6).
The meeting was convened following opposition from some members of the community regarding the proposed land demarcation. This resistance stems from the fact that the boundary status between the two nagaris (traditional villages) is still undergoing a resolution process within the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The deliberation took place at the Solok Regent’s official residence and was attended by Solok Regent Jon Firman Pandu, Tanah Datar Regent Eka Putra, representatives from the Tanah Datar and Solok Kodim, the Solok Regional Secretary, relevant regional agency heads, the District Heads of X Koto Diatas and Rambatan, the Village Heads (Wali Nagari) of Simawang and Bukik Kanduang, as well as members of the Nagari Customary Council (KAN) and the Nagari Village Consultative Body (BPRN) from both villages.
During the meeting, the plan to provide approximately 40 hectares of land to be donated to the TNI for the construction of the Yonif TP 951/Pandeka Marapi headquarters was discussed. Both regional leaders agreed to prioritise deliberation and objective land mapping, ensuring fairness for all parties involved.
Tanah Datar Regent Eka Putra stated that the meeting was prompted by an objection letter from the residents of Nagari Simawang regarding the land proposed by Nagari Bukik Kandlag as the site for the battalion headquarters. He noted that the land is currently within an area where the boundary status has not yet been finalised by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
“We are here to find the best solution to prevent friction within the community and to maintain the familial relationship that has long existed between the two nagaris,” he said.
Eka Putra emphasised that the residents of Nagari Simawang and Nagari Bukik Kanduang share close historical, social, and cultural ties. Therefore, the resolution of this issue must be pursued through dialogue and mutual agreement.
He also reaffirmed that the Tanah Datar Regency Government supports the construction of the battalion headquarters as part of a national strategic programme, but its implementation must remain mindful of the community’s social conditions and prioritise communication to avoid misunderstandings.
“We hope that both parties can agree on the land to be used for the construction site. God willing, with good intentions, we will find a common ground,” he added.
Similarly, Solok Regent Jon Firman Pandu expressed his support for the construction of the Yonif TP 951/Pandeka Marapi headquarters. He noted that the presence of the headquarters would benefit regional security and stimulate local economic growth.
“We support this national strategic programme. The presence of the battalion headquarters will strengthen regional security, and we hope the construction can proceed based on an agreement between both parties,” he stated.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Tanah Datar and Solok Regency Governments, along with the village heads, KAN, and BPRN, agreed on a preliminary map for the construction site. Moving forward, field inspections will be conducted to ensure that the boundary points align with the actual conditions on-site before the construction process proceeds.