LABUHANBATU | INDATANEWS.COM – Infrastructure and rural economic development projects in Labuhanbatu received direct attention from the Indonesian Army's Bukit Barisan Military Regional Command Inspector (Irdam Kodam I/BB), Brigadier General TNI Josafath M. Robert Duka, during an official field visit on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
Brigadier General Josafath M. Robert Duka reviewed the progress of the
Garuda Bridge (Jembatan Garuda) construction located in Aek Badingin Hamlet, Tanjung Medan Village, Bilah Barat District. The visit was conducted to ensure that the infrastructure project is progressing according to schedule and will soon be accessible to the public.
Accompanied by his delegation, the general directly observed construction activities and field supervision led by Sergeant Panindoan Siregar. The Garuda Bridge is expected to become a vital link for residents, improving mobility and facilitating the transport of agricultural goods across the Bilah Barat region.
The inspection was also attended by Dandim 0209/LB Lieutenant Colonel Kav Hanung Kaptiadji, Danramil 08/RP Captain Inf J. Sembiring, the Bilah Barat sub-district head (Camat), and other local officials.
APPRECIATION FOR DEVELOPMENT: Community leader Sitindaon expresses his support for the establishment of the
Red and White Cooperative in Sena Village. (PHOTO: Jhon Fitra Sagala)
Strengthening Village Economy Through "Red and White Cooperative"
Following the infrastructure review, Brigadier General Josafath continued his working visit to Sena Village, Pangkatan District, to monitor the development of the Koperasi Merah Putih (Red and White Cooperative).
The program is part of a national initiative aimed at strengthening grassroots economies and promoting financial independence among rural communities through cooperative-based empowerment.
Local community representative, Sitindaon, expressed appreciation for the Indonesian Armed Forces' involvement in supporting village economic development.
"We sincerely thank the Pangdam and Dandim for their strong commitment to developing the
Red and White Cooperative in our beloved village. President Prabowo's program is truly reaching ordinary people like us," he said.
Driving Rural Economic Independence
Sitindaon further emphasized hopes that the cooperative will grow into a strong economic hub for residents, providing access to basic goods, capital support, and assistance for farmers. He also stressed the importance of ensuring the cooperative remains competitive in the long term against modern retail chains.
"We do not want this cooperative to merely exist. We aim to develop it into a strong institution capable of competing with Alfamart, Indomaret, and other businesses," he added.
The visit underscores the Indonesian Armed Forces' continued role in supporting regional infrastructure development and strengthening rural economic foundations in
Labuhanbatu.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Jhon Fitra Sagala | EDITOR: Fik Sagala