Kodam Pattimura Chooses Dialogue Road In The Middle Of Ambon Military Dormitory Dispute

Head of Information for Kodam XV/Pattimura Colonel Inf. Heri Krisdianto (ANTARA/HO-Pers Pendam)

AMBON - Military Regional Command (Kodam) XV/Pattimura affirms its commitment to prioritizing a humanist and dialogical approach in responding to the OSM Military Dormitory (Asmil) land polemic in Ambon.

Head of Information for Kodam XV/Pattimura Infantry Colonel Heri Krisdianto conveyed clarification on a number of reports highlighting allegations of dismantling ban boards in the area.

"We understand the public's anxiety regarding this news. As part of the big family of the people of Maluku, the TNI always prioritizes a humanist approach and based on the law in every action," he said in a written statement in Ambon, Antara, Sunday, November 2.

Heri emphasized that his party appreciates every constructive input and criticism, including from the community and local figures, in order to create mutual harmony.

According to him, Kodam XV/Pattimura has repeatedly explained the comprehensive status of Asmil OSM land law. However, there are still parties who are trying to control the land without legal documents and convey news with an unbalanced narrative.

"Framing news that is not balanced has the potential to cause misunderstandings and noise in the community," he said.

Based on the results of the meeting and letter from the Head of the Maluku High Prosecutor's Office Number B-428/Q.1/Gph.2/06/2025 dated June 18, Kodam XV/Pattimura is the manager and ruler of state assets based on the 1950 Central War Commander Decree and factual control since 1958.

He added that the land had shifted from colonial rights (Eigendom verponding) to state assets after independence, according to Law Number 5 of 1960 concerning Agrarian Principles and Government Regulation Number 224 of 1961.

"The Asmil OSM Land has been listed as State Property (BMN) in the SIMAK system in accordance with the provisions of Law Number 1 of 2004 concerning State Treasury and various derivative regulations," he said.

Kodam XV/Pattimura has the legal authority to utilize and secure the country's assets for the sake of defense.

Regarding the residents of the dormitory, the Kodam emphasized that they still respect all parties living in the area, both active TNI members, retired, and civil society. However, the status of residence is functional for the benefit of military service, not personal ownership.

Meanwhile, responding to claims of customary land, Kodam XV/Pattimura stated that it respects the rights of indigenous peoples as long as they meet legal requirements, including evidence of continuous control and official recognition of local governments according to Permendagri Number 52 of 2014 and Decision of the Constitutional Court Number 35/PUU-X/2012.

"The court's decision which has rejected the plaintiff's lawsuit shows that there is not sufficient legal basis for this claim. The land of the former customary community is no longer controlled by customary law, according to the law, becomes state land," said Heri.

Kodam XV/Pattimura emphasized that they will continue to prioritize dialogue, respect the rule of law, and maintain good relations with all elements of the Maluku community.

"We invite all parties to jointly maintain a peaceful, just, and harmonious Maluku within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. The law is the commander, dialogue is the way, and unity is the goal," he concluded.