TNI Claims Territorial Battalions Built on State Land

The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Headquarters denies that new territorial battalions are being constructed on disputed land. TNI Public Affairs Chief Brigadier General Muhammad Nas stated that hundreds of territorial battalions under construction are being built on defence agency and state-owned land.

“Or locations prepared by local governments. It is incorrect to claim that we have seized land,” he said in a statement on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.

He said the location selection for territorial battalion construction follows established procedures. Nas added that the TNI coordinates with relevant agencies, including local governments, before commencing base construction.

“In principle, the TNI prioritises persuasive, dialogic approaches and good communication with all parties to resolve issues through consultation,” Nas said.

The TNI’s claims contradict ground realities. In various regions, the establishment of territorial battalions has faced public protests over land disputes.

Most recently, construction of a territorial battalion on Jalan Jenderal Sudirman Km 18 in East Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan, was protested by locals who allege land seizure from farming groups.

A similar situation occurred in the construction of Territorial Battalion 872 in North Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi, sparking public opposition. The protests went viral on social media after videos showing tensions between residents and TNI personnel at the proposed construction site circulated online.

The Ministry of Defence aims to complete 750 new territorial battalions by 2029. The government plans to establish 150 new territorial battalions annually across all Indonesian regencies and cities, with priority given to Java this year.