Babinsa

Babinsa, short for Bintara Pembina Desa (Village Supervising Non-Commissioned Officer), are non-commissioned officers of the Indonesian Army (TNI-AD) assigned to villages as part of the country's territorial defense system. They operate within the Satuan Teritorial framework under district military commands (Kodim) and serve to extend military presence and engagement into civilian life. Each desa typically has one or more Babinsa who coordinate with local authorities and communities.

Role and duties

Babinsa act as liaisons between the military and rural communities. Their responsibilities include maintaining public order and security, assisting in development and welfare programs, collecting information on local conditions to inform planning, and supporting disaster response, health, vaccination, education, and agricultural initiatives. They work with village heads, community leaders, local government agencies, and sometimes the police to implement programs aligned with national policies and community needs. The aim is to strengthen social resilience, facilitate development, and foster trust between residents and state institutions.

Organization and training

Babinsa are selected from enlisted ranks and assigned to a desa as part of the district’s territorial units. They receive training in security, civil-military coordination, first aid, disaster management, and community development. They report to their Kodim and coordinate with village administration to address local conditions and priorities.

History and significance

The Babinsa system is a core element of Indonesia’s Satuan Teritorial and Bela Negara concepts, designed to integrate defense with development and public service at the village level. The model emphasizes presence, information sharing, and collaboration with civilian authorities to promote stability and resilience across rural areas.