Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has announced the plan of the Indonesian government to establish more infantry battalions in 2025 to make them 100, a measure part of the grand strategy to present Indonesia’s soft power that complements the hard power strategy in the country’s defense system.
“These infantry battalions are designed to support the development program with an approach that is oriented towards community welfare,” Sjafrie told a hearing with Foreign Affairs and Defense Commission I of the House of Representatives, on Monday, November 25, 2024.
A battalion is a military unit consisting of 300–1,300 soldiers and led by a (Lieutenant) Colonel. Each of the new battalions will consist of several companies that focus on livestock, fisheries, agriculture, and health. According to Sjafrie, these companies will be placed in various districts in Indonesia to help improve the quality of life of the community.
“This is our first strategic policy to continue and develop the country’s defense strength comprehensively,” Sjafrie cited.
Currently, the Indonesian Army has 63 Infantry Battalions (Yonif) and the Indonesia Navy’s Marine Corps has 11 Infantry Battalions. These battalions areunder the auspices of the Infantry Brigade (Brigif) which each oversees two–three Infantry Battalions. The Indonesian Army has 22 Brigifs, while the Indonesian Navy Marine Corps has four Brigifs.
Sjafrie also told the House’s Commission I of the need to ensure the sustainability of development in the defense sector that has been pioneered by President Prabowo Subianto in his 100-day work program.
“The strategic concept of the Ministry of Defense is to continue and develop the development of the country’s defense forces that was pioneered five years ago by then Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto,” he said.
