Banjar Baru. In a move to strengthen defense capabilities for Indonesia's future capital, Nusantara, the Indonesian Military (TNI) inducted 500 civilians as reserve components (komcad) for the army in Banjar Baru, South Kalimantan, on Wednesday. This marks the first wave of a recruitment drive aimed at increasing the reserve force in the region.

"Two weeks from now, we will recruit another 500 individuals, this time in East Kalimantan," Lieutenant General Tandyo Budi Revita, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army, said after the inauguration ceremony.

The 500 new reserve members were selected from a recruitment drive that began in May 2024, following two months of basic military training from July 15 to Sept. 10, 2024. This year’s recruitment is focused on Kalimantan, given its proximity to the new capital city, Nusantara.

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"This focus on South and East Kalimantan is crucial due to the strategic importance of Nusantara. It is a priority for our defense buildup in these areas," Tandyo Budi explained.

The appointment ceremony included a message from Defense Minister and President-elect Prabowo Subianto addressed to the newly inducted reserve members.

The reserve recruitment program, initiated in 2021 under Government Regulation No. 3 of 2021, is part of an ongoing effort to enhance Indonesia's military strength. Since its inception, over 9,000 civilians have been inducted into the reserve forces to support the Indonesian military's three branches.

Candidates who passed the selection process received comprehensive basic military training and were provided with various benefits, including a monthly allowance of Rp 1.8 million ($116.77), health insurance, accident insurance, and essential supplies for training and daily use.

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