Kodim 1630/Manggarai Barat marks first anniversary, reaffirms role in protecting the Komodo tourism zone

Labuan Bajo — Kodim 1630/Manggarai Barat, the Indonesian Army's territorial command covering the gateway to Komodo National Park, marked its first anniversary on Saturday, 19 September 2026, using the milestone to reaffirm its role in supporting environmental upkeep and stability across the region's tourism zone.

Commander Lt. Col. Inf. Budiman Manurung told the anniversary gathering that the unit's first year had been a period of learning and evaluation, and pledged continued collaboration with local government, military and police partners, and community stakeholders to support development and public welfare across Manggarai Barat.

One concrete example of that commitment came earlier in the year, when Budiman personally led a coastal and waterway clean-up at Marina Labuan Bajo's dock area as part of the 69th anniversary of Kodam IX/Udayana. The joint effort brought together Manggarai Barat Police, the Labuan Bajo Harbor Master's Office (KSOP), the Labuan Bajo Naval Base (Lanal), the NTT Police Water and Air Unit, and members of the local maritime community, under the theme "Together with the People Toward an Advanced Indonesia".

Kodim 1630/Manggarai Barat's territorial coverage spans Komodo, Boleng, Sano Nggoang, Lembor, Welak, Kuwus, Macang Pacar, Lembor Selatan, Mbeliling, and Kuwus Barat districts. The unit was formed in response to Labuan Bajo's rapid growth as a National Priority Tourism Destination (DPSP), with the aim of strengthening coordination between the military, local government, and residents to help maintain stability around Komodo's protected areas.

At its inauguration on 19 September 2025, Kodam IX/Udayana commander Maj. Gen. Piek Budyakto said the new unit was expected to help keep conditions safe and welcoming for visitors travelling to the Komodo conservation area.

Beyond environmental work, the unit also monitors infrastructure projects in communities bordering the tourism zone, including bridge construction and Red-and-White Village Cooperative (KDMP) sites in Lembor district, intended to support the economic readiness of residents living near Komodo's buffer areas.

Manggarai Barat Deputy Regent Yulianus Weng, who attended the anniversary event, praised the unit's contributions over the past year, including its role in regional security and disaster response following the Flores earthquake. Entering its second year of service, Kodim 1630/Manggarai Barat is expected to remain a key partner in balancing territorial security, community welfare, and the long-term preservation of Komodo National Park's ecosystem.

At a glance

• Unit: Kodim 1630/Manggarai Barat (Indonesian Army territorial command)
• Commander: Lt. Col. Inf. Budiman Manurung, S.E., M.I.P.
• Milestone: First anniversary, 19 September 2026
• Established: 19 September 2025, by Kodam IX/Udayana commander Maj. Gen. Piek Budyakto
• Territorial coverage: Komodo, Boleng, Sano Nggoang, Lembor, Welak, Kuwus, Macang Pacar, Lembor Selatan, Mbeliling, Kuwus Barat
• Key activity cited: Marina Labuan Bajo waterway clean-up, May 2026

Sources

• RRI — Setahun bertugas di Manggarai Barat, Kodim 1630 evaluasi dan perkuat pengabdian
• RRI — HUT pertama Kodim 1630 dapat apresiasi Pemkab Manggarai Barat
• Detik.com — Pangdam resmikan Kodim Manggarai Barat, jaga pariwisata Labuan Bajo
• GBRNews.id — Dandim Budiman Manurung pimpin aksi bersih perairan Labuan Bajo
• Radar Tipikor — Dandim 1630 monitoring pembangunan jembatan dan koperasi di Lembor
• Kodim 1630/Manggarai Barat — situs resmi