PUNCAK - In the remote highlands of Papua, far from the spotlight of national media, Indonesian soldiers are winning hearts not through force, but through faith and fellowship. On July 19, 2025, troops from the Indonesian-PNG Border Security Task Force, Infantry Battalion 732/Banau, under the TNI Operations Command Habema (Koops Habema), took time away from military duties to clean the grounds of a local church in Dangbet Village, Beoga District.
Led by Second Lieutenant Simbolon and joined by 14 other soldiers, the initiative turned into more than just a clean-up—it became a symbol of unity between the military and the local community. In a place where conflict and mistrust once cast long shadows, this small act of service is clearing more than just leaves and debris it is clearing doubt and rebuilding trust.
"We are not just here to secure borders, " said Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Nurul Chabibi, Commander of the 732nd Task Force. "We are here to build harmony and be part of the community’s life. This is our real mission peace through connection."
Local community leader Mr. Wonda was visibly moved. Watching TNI personnel clean the church a sacred space for the villagers he described the moment as deeply emotional.
“Seeing the TNI care for our church shows they care for us, ” he said. “We feel seen, respected, and protected not just as citizens, but as family.”
This humanitarian approach is no coincidence. Major General Lucky Avianto, Commander of Koops Habema, stressed that missions like these reflect the core philosophy of the TNI in Papua: defending not just territory, but dignity.
“Every Koops Habema soldier is a peace ambassador, ” he said. “Our presence must heal, not intimidate. Helping communities, serving with humility—this is how we build lasting peace in Papua.”
As military personnel in camouflage picked up litter beside villagers, the lines that once divided began to blur. In a land often defined by its challenges, the TNI is planting seeds of understanding one act of service at a time.
Authentication:
Habema Media Task Force Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Iwan Dwi Prihartono
