Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.  Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin has asked the Ministry of Defense to assign Indonesian Military (TNI) doctors to serve in 14 new hospitals to be built in conflict-prone regions, including Papua,  to ensure the safety of medical personnel in high-risk areas.

"Medical staff from the Defense Ministry are trained with a defense mindset, so if something happens, they can protect themselves," said Minister Budi Gunadi after meeting Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin in Jakarta on Tuesday (22/7/2025), as quoted by antaranews.com.

He emphasized that military doctors not only possess tactical training but also maintain high service standards for civilian care. A memorandum of understanding has been signed between both ministries to support the hospital construction, security, and staffing.

Not all personnel will be from the military.

“We’re also responding to expectations from local leaders that Indigenous Papuans be involved," Minister Budi Gunadi  said.

Minister Sjafrie confirmed that graduates from the Defense University’s Medical Faculty and existing Papua health task forces will be deployed.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)