Defense Minister: Infantry Battalion TP 845 Must Support National Development

RRI.CO.ID, Bangka Belitung - Indonesia's Minister of Defense, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, visited Territorial Infantry Development Battalion 845/ Ksatria Satam in East Belitung on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. The Minister's presence is to directly observe the battalion's personnel, facilities, infrastructure, and other aspects.

The Minister of Defense was accompanied by high-ranking Ministry of Defense officials and the Head of the Defense Information Bureau, Brigadier General Rico Sirait. He was also accompanied by Deputy Commander of the Indonesian Military (TNI) General Tandyo and Deputy Army Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Muhammad Saleh.

The Minister of Defense enthusiastically delivered a briefing to the battalion personnel. Sjafrie motivated the personnel to maintain their readiness and capability to continue safeguarding the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

"To maintain national stability in order to support national development in Indonesia. Do you understand? You are the people's hope. You are the people's pillars.To safeguard and protect the sovereignty of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia," the Minister said.

In addition, the Minister of Defense emphasized that although the personnel are in Bangka Belitung, they are soldiers of the Indonesian Military tasked to protecting the national territory from Sabang to Merauke. According to him, this battalion is not the only territorial development infantry battalion in Indonesia.

"But this year, you are part of 150 territorial development infantry battalions tasked to jointly safeguarding the sovereignty of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia," he said.

The Minister of Defense asked the personnel to thank the people for their trust, so that they can ensure the safety and comfort of the Indonesian people.

The Battalion has also duty to manage and maintain food security in its territory. The Minister of Defense asked the personnel of the battalion to maintain discipline and enthusiasm, because the people must feel the benefits of the presence of personnel at this battalion headquarters. (AF)