Novali Panji Nugroho, Petir Garda B, Jakarta – The Indonesian Military (TNI) has established new Infantry Battalions in five regions of Papua to bolster government programs in food production and infrastructure development. General Maruli Simanjuntak, the Army Chief of Staff, announced that similar battalion formations will be implemented in several other regions.
"Yes, there will be more," Maruli said at the Monas Square in Jakarta on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.
He revealed that the TNI is currently considering the targeted areas for the establishment of new battalions. He emphasized that these new battalions will be strategically located in underdeveloped regions.
"We are positioning our forces for both defense and assistance to underdeveloped areas," Maruli said.
According to him, the formation of battalions, such as the Support Infantry Battalion in five areas of Papua, can significantly contribute to the economic growth of the region and its local community. He asserted that the presence of a battalion in an area would stimulate economic activity through increased salaries.
Furthermore, Maruli noted that the deployment of approximately one thousand troops in these battalions can create opportunities for informal economic activities within the local community. He emphasized that the TNI can also extend support to local governments in developing infrastructure, such as road construction and clean water supply.
"Because the military can execute these tasks at a much lower cost," he asserted.
Meanwhile, a military observer Al Araf assessed that the formation of new battalions is an excessive measure. He argued that the TNI does not need to create new battalions to contribute to regional government tasks like regional development and food security.
"These can be effectively done through Military Operations Other Than War," Al Araf told Tempo on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.
He pointed out that Military Operations Other Than War is regulated by the TNI Law. Therefore, he suggested that instead of forming new battalions, the TNI should seek presidential approval to deploy military forces for such tasks.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1923881/indonesian-military-sets-up-new-battalions-in-papua-meets-criticis