More Than Security: TNI Soldiers in Dal Bring Hope and Faith to Papua’s Children

PAPUA - In the remote district of Dal, Papua, where rugged terrain meets daily challenges, the presence of Indonesian soldiers is not just about enforcing security it’s about planting seeds of hope. On Sunday, July 13, 2025, soldiers from the Yonif 400/Banteng Raiders Task Force held a special religious service for local children, marking the event with the symbolic distribution of Bibles a gesture that spoke volumes about their commitment to faith, unity, and spiritual development in Papua.

Led by Sergeant Gea from Dal Post, the initiative was carried out in collaboration with local youth and attended by around 10 children. Despite the modest scale, the impact was profound. The children listened attentively as Sergeant Gea delivered a heartfelt message emphasizing the values of love, brotherhood, and unwavering faith in God. His words were not just a sermon, but a bridge connecting the aspirations of Papua’s young generation to a brighter future grounded in strong moral values.

After the sermon, each child received a Bible gently handed over by the soldiers. “This is more than a book, ” said Sergeant Gea. “We hope the Word of God will guide these children as they grow, helping them walk with faith, even in the face of life’s challenges.”

But the service wasn’t just about religion. It became a moment of human connection an opportunity to deepen the bond between the TNI and the local community, especially the younger generation. A communal prayer and informal gathering followed, leaving behind warmth, laughter, and a renewed sense of togetherness.

The event drew praise from Major General Lucky Avianto, Commander of the Habema Operations Command, who lauded the spiritual outreach as a powerful example of the TNI’s evolving role in Papua.

“What Yonif 400 has done in Dal is a clear manifestation of unity between soldiers and the people. This is not just security work it’s a spiritual investment for the future of our children, ” he emphasized. “Every Bible shared is a symbol of our hope for a peaceful and harmonious Papua.”

This initiative underscores a larger mission: TNI’s commitment to character-building, spiritual empowerment, and social engagement especially in regions often overlooked. By focusing on the hearts and minds of the next generation, the TNI continues to show that their service in Papua is just as much about compassion and community as it is about protection.

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HABEMA Media Task Force Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Iwan Dwi Prihartono