Jakarta, Indonesianpost.com – Reported by Antara, Khairul Fahmi, a defense and security expert from the Institute for Security and Strategic Studies (ISSES), has stated that the Indonesian Army’s (TNI AD) decision to recruit 24,000 soldiers is in line with current needs.
Fahmi explained that the recruitment is part of the efforts to enhance regional development and food security, which the Indonesian Military is actively managing.
“This recruitment is highly relevant as it forms part of the establishment of the Regional Development Territorial Battalion, consisting of four specialized companies: medical, engineering, agriculture, and livestock,” Fahmi said during a statement on Thursday.
He emphasized that the TNI AD is one of the institutions with the necessary facilities and capabilities to support development efforts across various regions.
This development will not only focus on building physical infrastructure but also on improving human resource quality in the regions, Fahmi added.
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The formation of the new Regional Development Territorial Battalion, staffed by 24,000 personnel, is expected to accelerate these initiatives, contributing to both security and development across Indonesia.
“This is essentially a reorganization of roles and functions within the military. Combat units will now be relieved from multitasking, while new specialized support units will focus on logistics, medical services, and infrastructure development,” Fahmi explained.
Addressing concerns that the large-scale recruitment could be seen as militarizing civilian spaces, Fahmi acknowledged that such concerns are valid. However, he reassured that this restructuring is necessary for adapting the military’s role to the evolving challenges of the modern era.
“We’re not witnessing an expansion of military power into civilian areas, but rather a realignment of military responsibilities to support regional development while ensuring security and stability,” he concluded. (BL)