LABUHANBATU SELATAN | INDATANEWS.COM - After years of inadequate road infrastructure, residents of Pinang Dame hamlet in Aek Batu village, Torgamba district, Labuhanbatu Selatan regency, North Sumatra, are receiving much-needed support through the 130th edition of the Indonesian Armed Forces' Village Development Programme (TNI Manunggal Membangun Desa, TMMD) in 2026.
The programme, implemented by the Labuhanbatu Military District Command (Kodim 0209/Labuhanbatu), represents a concrete step towards accelerating more equitable development and opening up new opportunities for rural communities. For a long time, the area has faced an urgent need for adequate infrastructure.
The Regent of Labuhanbatu Selatan, Fery Sahputra Simatupang, S.H., welcomed the implementation of the 130th TMMD programme. In his view, the cross-sector initiative not only delivers infrastructure improvements but also strengthens cooperation between the military, regional administration and local communities to address residents' needs.
Fery expressed his appreciation on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, during a visit by a team from the Indonesian Army Information Service (Dispenad) to his office. The delegation was led by Colonel ARH M. Khairul Anam, Deputy Head of the Dispenad Press and Media Relations Division.
The visit aimed to interview the regent about the implementation of the 130th TMMD programme by Kodim 0209/Labuhanbatu, while also allowing the delegation to inspect completed construction works in the area.
Why Pinang Dame Was Selected
During the interview, Colonel ARH M. Khairul Anam asked why the Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency Administration had selected Pinang Dame hamlet in Aek Batu village, Torgamba district, as the location for this year's TMMD programme.
Fery explained that the regional administration selected project locations based on the actual needs of the community. Particular attention was given to areas that had yet to receive adequate infrastructure development.
According to him, many villages in Labuhanbatu Selatan still require infrastructure improvements. However, the situation in Pinang Dame is particularly urgent, especially because limited road access has made daily life difficult for residents for years.
"There are, in fact, many villages that urgently need development. However, we believe that Pinang Dame hamlet in Aek Batu village is particularly suitable for the TMMD programme. This hamlet has not received any infrastructure improvements, especially in terms of road infrastructure," Regent Fery said.
His remarks highlight the importance of directing development projects towards areas that have previously received insufficient attention. Equitable infrastructure development is a crucial factor in reducing disparities between easily accessible areas and villages with limited connectivity.
For rural communities, roads are more than just physical infrastructure. Adequate road access determines residents' mobility, the transportation of agricultural and other products, and access to education and healthcare services.
Poor road infrastructure can disrupt both social and economic activities. Consequently, the road improvements in Pinang Dame under the TMMD programme are expected to provide better transport links and strengthen regional connectivity.
REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION SUPPORTS DEVELOPMENT:
Labuhanbatu Selatan Regent Fery Sahputra Simatupang expresses his appreciation to
Kodim 0209/Labuhanbatu for implementing the 130th TMMD programme, which has enabled development projects addressing the community's needs. (PHOTO: Jhon Fitra Sagala)
Infrastructure Improvements and Tangible Benefits for Residents
According to Fery, the implementation of the TMMD programme in
Labuhanbatu Selatan has received a positive response from both the regional administration and the public. The programme, which is held regularly, not only accelerates development but also strengthens ties between the military and the community through the spirit of mutual cooperation.
"The TMMD programme takes place every year, with implementation in each quarter. The programme in Labuhanbatu Selatan has been very well received by both the community and the regional administration. Both sides are extremely satisfied and have responded very positively," Regent Fery said in his statement.
Under the 130th TMMD programme,
Kodim 0209/Labuhanbatu is undertaking several construction projects aimed at meeting the community's basic needs. These include improving the main road, renovating houses, building washing and toilet facilities (MCK) for places of worship, and constructing drilled wells.
The road improvements are intended to make it easier for residents to travel and transport goods. Meanwhile, house renovations, sanitation facilities and drilled wells are expected to create a more comfortable living environment and meet essential community needs, including access to clean water.
"On behalf of the
Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency Administration, we would like to thank the Commander of
Kodim 0209/Labuhanbatu and all personnel for implementing the 130th TMMD programme.
"This programme has enabled several urgently needed construction projects for the community. These include improvements to the main road, house renovations, sanitation facilities for places of worship and the construction of drilled wells," he said.
Fery stressed that the success of development could not be measured solely by whether a building had been erected or an infrastructure project completed. Instead, the regional administration and the community must ensure that every facility delivers tangible benefits to people's daily lives.
Through the TMMD programme, the military, regional administration and local communities have an opportunity to work together to accelerate rural development. This cooperation is particularly important in reaching remote areas that require greater support.
CALL TO MAINTAIN DEVELOPMENT FACILITIES:
Labuhanbatu Selatan Regent Fery Sahputra Simatupang urges residents to protect and maintain facilities built under the TMMD programme to ensure their benefits are sustained in the long term. (PHOTO: Jhon Fitra Sagala)
Maintaining Facilities to Secure Long-Term Benefits
The construction of infrastructure and public facilities requires a shared commitment to ensure that the benefits do not disappear once the TMMD programme ends. Construction quality, the use of facilities and their maintenance are essential to ensuring that development initiatives deliver lasting results.
Fery therefore urged residents to protect and maintain all facilities that had been built. He hoped that the community would make the best possible use of the completed projects so that the facilities could continue to support their activities.
"I would like to urge the community to make the best possible use of the results of these construction projects.
"Let us work together to ensure that all the facilities that have been built are properly cared for and maintained, so that the community can continue to use them in the long term," he said.
The message underlines that securing the long-term benefits of development is not solely the responsibility of the military or the regional administration. The community, as the beneficiary of these projects, also plays an important role in caring for and maintaining the facilities provided.
The Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency Administration hopes to strengthen its cooperation with the military. This would enable development programmes to be implemented more effectively and ensure that community needs are addressed, including in the most remote villages.
The event was also attended by the Commander of
Kodim 0209/Labuhanbatu, Lieutenant Colonel Kav Hanung Kaptiaji, S.Sos., M.I.P.; the Commander of Koramil 11/KP, Major Inf Hendra Gunawan; the Regional Secretary of
Labuhanbatu Selatan, M. Reza Fahlevi Nasution, S.STP., M.A.P.; Assistant II of the
Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency Administration, Ir. Roliqul Rohman; Assistant I, dr. Syahrul Tanjung, S.Ag., M.Pd.; the Head of the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), Amaluddin Siregar; Kodim 0209/LB intelligence officer Captain Inf Aswin; and Kodim 0209/LB intelligence unit officer Captain Inf Uguamin Nasution.
The Dispenad team also included Colonel ARH M. Khairul Anam, Deputy Head of the Dispenad Press and Media Relations Division, and Non-Commissioned Officer Sertu Yustisia Aldi Darmawan, who serves as Baurdatalitbang in the Baglitbang Subdisbinfung Dispenad division, along with other delegation members.
The implementation of the 130th TMMD programme in Pinang Dame hamlet is an important impetus for accelerating
rural development in
Labuhanbatu Selatan. Support from the regional administration strengthens the programme. However, its ultimate success depends on the quality of construction, the use of facilities and the long-term benefits they provide to the community.
Meaningful development is not simply about completing a road or constructing a facility. It must make people's lives easier, increase productivity and improve prosperity. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Jhon Fitra Sagala | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala