Inp.polri.go.id - Kendari.  The Southeast Sulawesi administration is preparing 200 hectares of land for a new the Army Special Forces (Kopassus) base to strengthen national defense in eastern Indonesia and support operations near the future capital, Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN).

"This base will stimulate the local economy. With 1,000–2,000 soldiers spending their salaries locally, circulation could reach IDR 6 billion monthly," Governor Andi Sumangerukka  said on Wednesday (4/6/2025), as quoted by antaranews.com.

He said the base, to be located in Kendari, will enhance defense across Sulawesi and complement existing Kopassus bases in Kalimantan and Papua. While the exact location remains undisclosed, the site will include military and public infrastructure such as a hospital, school, market, and aviation facilities.

Kopassus Commander Maor. General Djon Afriandi emphasized the strategic importance of Sulawesi for defending Indonesia’s major islands in line with the military’s updated defense doctrine.

The plan reflects the military’s long-term shift toward decentralized readiness across key national regions.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)