President Prabowo Subianto officially inaugurated 204 new units of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) during the military’s 81st anniversary ceremony on Monday, October 5, 2026. Held at the PRIMA parade ground in East Jakarta, the expansion includes six new regional military commands designed to enhance national rapid response capabilities.
Expansion of Military Infrastructure at Cilangkap
The 81st anniversary celebration, themed TNI Strong with the People, Indonesia Sovereign, Just, and Prosperous,
served as the platform for a major restructuring of Indonesia’s defense forces. President Prabowo Subianto confirmed the scale of the expansion during the event at the TNI Headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta.
“This morning, Monday, October 5, 2026, by the grace of God Almighty, I, Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia, hereby inaugurate 204 new TNI units.”
Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia
The 204 newly formed units are distributed across the three branches of the military. The Army’s contribution includes six new regional military commands (kodam), 30 Territorial Development Infantry Brigades, 150 Territorial Development Infantry Battalions, and three Combat Support Battalions. Additional Army units include one cavalry battalion, one field artillery battalion, and one air defense artillery battalion. The Navy established one Marine infantry brigade and four Marine infantry battalions, while the Air Force added 10 units, including a Rapid Action Forces division, radar units, and training squadrons.
New Regional Military Commands
The six newly inaugurated regional military commands are intended to improve the military’s presence outside of Java, addressing the logistical challenges of defending an archipelagic nation. During the ceremony, President Prabowo symbolically inducted the commanders of these regions by presenting them with organizational flags and command batons.
- Kodam XXV/Mahmud Riayat Syah in the Riau Islands
- Kodam XXVI/Mataram in Yogyakarta
- Kodam XXVII/Sobe Sonbai in East Nusa Tenggara
- Kodam XXVIII/Moloku Kie Raha in North Maluku
- Kodam XXIX/Mambruk in Central Papua
- Kodam XXX/Rinambora in West Nusa Tenggara
Disaster Relief Priorities Shift Anniversary Ceremony Location
The anniversary ceremony saw a significant change in scale and location. Originally planned for the National Monument (Monas) in central Jakarta, the event was moved to the PRIMA parade ground at TNI Headquarters. Major General Muhammad Nas, the TNI spokesperson, noted that the change was necessitated by the redeployment of troops to prioritize disaster relief operations, reflecting the military’s commitment to Military Operations Other Than War (OMSP).
A planned naval parade in Jakarta Bay, which would have featured 102 vessels, was also canceled to maintain the solemnity of the occasion.
President Prabowo emphasized that the military must evolve to meet modern threats, which he noted often occur outside of traditional physical combat.
“War today does not necessarily take a physical form. Therefore, the TNI must continue to adapt, learn, learn, learn, and train, train, train.”
Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia
The Role of the Military in Civilian Life
Beyond structural expansion, the President stressed the necessity of the TNI maintaining a close relationship with the public. He lauded soldiers for their initiative in disaster relief—such as responding to floods, landslides, and volcanic eruptions—without waiting for orders from high-ranking superiors.
“Never be far from the people; we must be among the people. The TNI must always listen to the people’s difficulties and be there when they need us.”
Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia
The event was attended by 3,378 personnel and featured prominent national figures, including Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, and DPR Speaker Puan Maharani. Former presidents Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Joko Widodo were also present to observe the official inauguration of the 204 new units.
