Udayana Military Command denies TNI intimidated residents in Ende Red-and-White Cooperative construction

Denpasar (ANTARA) - Kodam IX/Udayana has denied accusations of intimidation against residents, forced evictions, and damage to school facilities involving Indonesian Army personnel in the controversy over the construction of the Red-and-White Village Cooperative (KDMP) in Neowula Village, Detusoko District, Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. Head of Information for Kodam IX/Udayana, Infantry Colonel Amrizal Nasution, stated in Denpasar on Wednesday that information alleging acts of violence or intimidation by TNI personnel does not align with the facts on the ground. “There were no acts of intimidation, physical violence, or attempts at forced eviction by TNI personnel against the community or educational facilities at the location,” he said. According to Amrizal, the viral incident stemmed from a technical obstacle when mobilising heavy equipment, specifically an excavator, to the KDMP construction site, which is on community-donated land behind Neowula primary school. “The narrow village road access and the presence of the school’s roof support structure along the heavy machinery’s manoeuvring path necessitated technical adjustments on site,” he stated. The adjustment involved cutting a portion of the supporting pillars located in the road access area. This measure had been coordinated beforehand with the Neowula Village Head and the School Committee so that the heavy machinery could pass without damaging the main school building. Similar testimony was provided by the Neowula Village Head, Vinsensius Papa. He explained that the access used is a village road that abuts the school building, requiring a technical adjustment that would subsequently be repaired. Regarding the presence of Babinsa at the site, Amrizal affirmed that Sergeant Hermin was present at the request of the village head to assist with security and to mediate with residents, aiming to prevent tension and maintain a conducive atmosphere. Kodam IX/Udayana also denied narratives circulating on social media concerning forced evictions or acts of violence against the community. As a remedial measure, all KDMP construction activities at the location have been temporarily halted to allow space for a mediation process among the relevant parties. Furthermore, the pillar that had previously undergone technical adjustment has been repaired, the excavated area has been tidied, and the heavy machinery has been removed from the location to avoid further misunderstanding. Currently, the 1602/Ende Military District Command is continuing to coordinate with the village government, community leaders, traditional leaders, the sub-district, and the local Education Agency to find a solution acceptable to all parties. Kodam IX/Udayana also urged the public not to be easily provoked by unverified information and to prioritise deliberation in responding to every development dynamic in the region. “We are committed to maintaining regional security stability and strengthening synergy with all elements of the nation for the smooth running of development and the welfare of the community,” said Amrizal.