Jakarta, Jan. 9 -- Indonesia's Armed Forces Chief General Agus Subiyanto plans to form a dedicated sports battalion after soldier-athletes won a significant share of Indonesia's medals at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.

Agus said the unit would operate under the Military Physical Training and Basic Regulations Center, focusing on developing soldiers recruited through athletic pathways and identifying personnel suited for regional and global competitions.

The policy, he said, allows the military to recruit civilians with proven sporting ability and train them as professional soldiers to strengthen Indonesia's competitive pipeline.

The battalion plan was announced after a ceremony at the State Palace in Jakarta awarding bonus...