PAPUA - Under the quiet canopy of Papua’s eastern highlands, a profound moment of unity unfolded in Julukoma Village on July 27, 2025. Soldiers of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), serving with the RI–PNG Mobile Border Security Task Force of Infantry Battalion 732/Banau, laid down their weapons for a time not in retreat, but in reverence. Together with local residents, they gathered in a humble village church to worship side by side, sharing prayers and praises that transcended uniforms and titles.
The service, led by Second Lieutenant Dismas, Commander of the Julukoma Post, was far more than a Sunday ritual. It was a statement silent but powerful of solidarity, of brotherhood, and of mutual respect. In a region long defined by its remoteness and hardship, this joint worship became a symbol of hope and healing.
"We are here not only as guardians of the border, " Lt. Dismas shared, "but as part of this community. Through worship, we draw closer to God and to one another. This bond is something we want to preserve, long after the last hymn fades."
The village welcomed the soldiers not with apprehension, but with open arms. Children smiled. Elders nodded in approval. And local leaders, such as Mr. Waromi, expressed heartfelt gratitude.
"To pray together with the TNI is a true honor for us, " he said. "It shows us that they are not distant enforcers, but neighbors, protectors, and friends. Their presence gives us peace—not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually."
Following the service, the spirit of togetherness continued to ripple throughout the village. Conversations flowed, laughter echoed, and the churchyard buzzed with a renewed sense of community. What began as a simple religious gathering had blossomed into a celebration of shared humanity.
From the strategic command center of Habema Operations Command, Major General Lucky Avianto, the Pangkoops Habema, praised the initiative. In his remarks, he underscored the significance of such outreach in strengthening national unity, especially in sensitive and remote regions like Papua.
"What we witnessed in Julukoma is the true embodiment of the TNI's role not just as a military force, but as a pillar of society, " said Maj. Gen. Lucky. "By joining in worship and engaging in the daily lives of the people, our soldiers are building bridges of trust and compassion. This is how lasting peace is formed not only through security operations, but through sincere, human connection."
As tensions in border regions ebb and flow, stories like Julukoma stand as powerful reminders that peace is not forged solely through diplomacy or defense it is built, quietly and consistently, through presence, humility, and shared purpose. The TNI's engagement in Julukoma shows the world that service to the nation extends beyond battlegrounds it also lives in chapels, in handshakes, and in the hearts of the people they serve.
Written by: Media Habema
Verified by: Habema Media Task Force Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Inf Iwan Dwi Prihartono
