October 20, 2025 | 06:09 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Under the scorching midday sun, hundreds of soldiers from the Patriot Yudha Vikasa Territorial Infantry Battalion for Development in Cibitung, Bekasi, West Java, were tending crops inside their compound. On Wednesday, October 15, 2025, several troops in Malvinas camouflage uniforms were tilling the soil planted with longan tree seedlings.
Spread over 43 hectares, the battalion's base also features livestock pens and fish ponds. About 100 meters from the main gate, four soldiers were installing a sign marking a paddy field. "We also grow corn and water spinach," said Private Second Class Waldi Kristofau in Cibitung.
This battalion is one of 100 newly established units created under President Prabowo Subianto. The former Commander General of the Special Forces Command (Kopassus) has added new structures at regional command and combat levels. In total, Prabowo has formed 162 new units within the Indonesian Military (TNI).
Setara Institute, a civil society organization focused on human rights, criticized the expansion. Researcher Ikhsan Yosarie said the creation of new military units runs counter to the principle of a professional military. "It accelerates the military's penetration into civilian affairs," Ikhsan said.
The expansion of the military's role has become one of the defining features of Prabowo's first year in power. In addition to creating new units, many active duty officers now hold civilian posts. According to data from Imparsial, a human rights advocacy group, about 2,500 active soldiers have taken civilian roles since 2023. Under Prabowo's leadership, the government and the House of Representatives also passed amendments to the TNI Law.
Today's Top 3 News: B50 Biodiesel Implementation in Indonesia Could Erode Palm Oil Competitiveness
8 menit lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
One Year of Government: Prabowo Summons Cabinet Members for Plenary Meeting
28 menit lalu
Several ministers, vice ministers, and heads of agencies have gathered at the Presidential Palace to attend Prabowo's cabinet meeting.
TNI Reform Agenda Wanes, Militarism on the Rise as Prabowo-Gibran Marks First Year
1 jam lalu
Imparsial says Prabowo-Gibran's government shows strong military consolidation tendencies during its first year.
One Year Under Prabowo: Government Decisions Seen as Not Pro-Teachers
1 jam lalu
Kobar Guru Indonesia said that many of Prabowo's education-related decisions have been "exclusive" and not pro-teachers.
JPPI: One Year Under Prabowo-Gibran, Millions of Children Still Out of School
3 jam lalu
Programs such as the Free Nutritious Meals initiative, JPPI said, have diverted funds that should have been used to expand education access.
One Year of Prabowo-Gibran: Celios Releases Ministerial Performance Rankings
3 jam lalu
In addition to Prabowo-Gibran's performance, Celios surveyed the performance of the ministers in the Red and White Cabinets.
Over 1,700 Police Officers Deployed for Prabowo-Gibran's First-Year Rally
4 jam lalu
Central Jakarta Police deployed 1,700 officers to secure a student rally marking Prabowo-Gibran's first year in office.
Prabowo Warns Law Enforcers Not to Be Unjust Toward the Weak
4 jam lalu
Prabowo revealed that he still receives reports of regional prosecutors fabricating cases against ordinary citizens.
One Year of Prabowo-Gibran: BEM SI Says 'Enough' and Lays Out Its Demands
5 jam lalu
BEM SI staged a protest on October 20, 2025, marking one year of the Prabowo-Gibran administration.
BEM SI to Hold Protest Today, Demand Cancellation of Anti-People Policies
10 jam lalu
Student Executive Board of Indonesia (BEM SI) and the Student Executive Board of the University of Indonesia are set to hold a protest.
