TNI Has Built 150 Territorial Development Infantry Battalions, Targeting 514 Battalions Across All Districts

The National Resilience Institute of the Republic of Indonesia (Lemhannas RI) hosted the Minister of Defence (Menhan) RI as part of the Regional Leadership Enhancement Course (KPPD) for Chairs of Regional People’s Representative Councils (DPRD) across Indonesia at the Military Academy (Akmil) in Magelang City, Central Java, on Saturday (18/4/2026). The Minister’s presence aimed to strengthen the DPRD leaders’ understanding of the national defence system and the role of regions in supporting national stability.

In his presentation, the Minister stressed that strengthening national defence is not solely the responsibility of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI). He emphasised that defence is also part of the national system involving all components of the nation, including local governments.

Sjafrie explained that Indonesia’s defence strategy is directed towards maintaining state sovereignty through an active defensive approach, while ensuring national stability as a prerequisite for development. As a concrete implementation, he said, the government is promoting the construction of Territorial Development Infantry Battalions (Yonif TP) in every district as part of strengthening regional defence.

“The President has instructed us to secure all districts. Therefore, the Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces has been tasked with building a battalion in each district to guard it,” Sjafrie stated in a press release.

He conveyed that TNI Headquarters, by the end of 2025, has built around 150 battalions. This number will continue to be increased to cover all districts in Indonesia, or around 514 battalions by the end of 2029.