PAPUA - In a tangible show of support for local livelihoods, Indonesian soldiers from the Yonif 732/Banau Task Force, under the TNI Habema Operations Command, stepped beyond their security duties to strengthen the local economy. Through the ROSITA program (Buying Up Farmers’ Produce), troops actively purchased agricultural products from local vendors at Milawak Market, Beoga District, Puncak Regency, on Wednesday (July 16, 2025).
Led by Sergeant Sultoni and a team of 12 personnel, the soldiers bought sweet potatoes, vegetables, fruits, and other homegrown goods directly from farmers and market vendors. The aim: to provide immediate economic stimulus while deepening the bond between the TNI and the community in this remote border region.
“Security is only one part of our mission. We’re also here to uplift and empower the people, ” said Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Nurul Chabibi, S.H., Commander of the Yonif 732/Banau Task Force. “By buying produce directly from farmers, we help improve their income and show that TNI is truly present among the people.”
The initiative was met with joy and appreciation from local residents. One of the vendors, Mama Yosephina, expressed her heartfelt gratitude.
“We feel seen and supported. Thank you, TNI, for helping us. Your presence here is not just about protection, but about care, ” she said with emotion.
The ROSITA initiative is part of the TNI’s broader commitment to social empowerment in Papua, where many communities face limited access to markets and basic economic infrastructure.
Major General Lucky Avianto, Commander of the Habema Operations Command, praised the program’s impact.
“This is how the TNI strengthens national unity not just by securing borders, but by building trust and improving lives. Supporting local farmers directly lays the groundwork for long-term stability and development in border regions, ” he affirmed.
Through this initiative, the TNI not only helps safeguard national borders, but also acts as a catalyst for economic resilience in some of Indonesia’s most remote areas. The ROSITA program is a reflection of a deeper mission: to protect with strength, and serve with heart.
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Habema Media Task Force Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Iwan Dwi Prihartono
