PAPUA - When the Papuan sky was still covered in clouds of anxiety, one by one the residents of Eronggobak Village came down from the hillside with hurried steps. The children's eyes were full of question marks, the mothers held their little hands tightly. The threat from armed groups left them with only one destination: the Yonif 700/Wira Yudha Cakti Task Force Post – Eromaga.
On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 08.00 WIT, a team consisting of 20 personnel led by Second Lieutenant Inf Sudirman was immediately mobilized from the Eromaga Kindergarten to carry out limited Binter. They did not go to fight, but to protect, embrace, and help residents who had fled to the area around the Post because of fear of terror.
From the corner of the slope to under the shady trees, soldiers were seen working together to build emergency tents. With blue tarpaulins and poles made of logs, they built a humanitarian tent, not a war barracks. There were 65 people who fled—20 of them children, the rest mothers and fathers who now just wanted to be safe.
“We welcome all of you here. We, the TNI, are here to protect, not only guarding the country’s borders, but also guarding the hearts and lives of our brothers and sisters, ” said Second Lieutenant Sudirman, Commander of the Eromaga Post, while lifting the tent’s support beams.
Around a small campfire, the children began to smile again. The Papuan mothers cooked simple food from the assistance provided by the Task Force. Basic necessities were distributed hand to hand, not with formality, but with the sincere love of the nation’s children for their motherland.
Karel Murib, one of the district employees who helped with the evacuation process, said, “We are very grateful to the TNI gentlemen. We came in fear, but we were warmly welcomed. They are not only guarding this land, but they are guarding us.”
Meanwhile, Tiberius Murib, who also helped the residents, added, "Without them, our residents could have been stranded and lost. Thank you, Task Force 700."
Now, under the blue tent and the red and white flag fluttering not far away, stands a story of humanity. A story about soldiers who not only carry weapons, but also lift the burden of frightened residents.
And in the midst of the bright Papuan sky, the sound of children starting to laugh becomes a song of new hope for Eronggobak Village.
Authentication:
Dansatgas Media HABEMA, Lieutenant Colonel Inf Iwan Dwi Prihartono
