INTAN JAYA - In a village nestled deep within Papua’s mountainous terrain, Indonesian soldiers traded rifles for stethoscopes delivering more than just security, but *hope and healing* to those often left behind. July 24, 2025
As part of its humanitarian outreach, the Indonesian Army Task Force Yonif 500/Sikatan conducted free medical services in Holomama Village, Sugapa District, providing direct care to residents with a special focus on Papuan mothers. These women the backbone of their communities often go without medical attention due to the region’s inaccessibility.
Led by Second Lieutenant Nasrul, with 16 personnel in support, the soldiers arrived not as enforcers, but as caregivers. With a gentle touch and professional care, they performed blood pressure checks, treated minor wounds, and provided relief for back pain common ailments among women who toil daily in the fields.
“Most of the women we treated were suffering from fatigue-related pains and injuries from their work in the highlands, ” explained Sergeant Rifqi, a task force medical specialist.
“We are proud to assist them this is more than just medicine; it’s a gesture of solidarity.”
From Defenders to Healers: A New Face of the Military
Photos from the field speak volumes: A soldier kneels respectfully as he gently wraps a mother’s hand, while another checks blood pressure with quiet focus. In every scene, there is mutual trust and respect signs of a genuine connection between military personnel and civilians.
“The TNI isn’t just here to protect borders, ” said Lt. Nasrul.
“We are here to serve the people wherever they are, however remote. That is our true duty.”
These acts of compassion are part of the TNI’s ongoing community engagement program aiming to close the healthcare gap and build emotional bonds with communities that have long felt isolated.
Unity in Action: Building Peace Through Presence
The mission was executed peacefully and successfully, further strengthening the bond between the Indonesian National Armed Forces and local Papuan communities. The sight of soldiers offering care and kindness rather than command sends a powerful message of empathy in a place where conflict often overshadows connection.
Such moments are not isolated efforts but tangible proof of the evolving role of the military: from national defender to humanitarian partner. In places where paved roads are scarce, it is often the boots of soldiers that carry medicine, hope, and national presence.
"These are not just soldiers. They are brothers, protectors, and now healers, " said a local elder after receiving aid.
In this quiet corner of Papua, where few headlines reach, the TNI’s silent work echoes loud proving that nation-building starts not only with strength, but with care, compassion, and community.
Authentication:
Habema Media Task Force Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Iwan Dwi Prihartono
