PUNCAK - In a region often clouded by conflict, a different kind of mission quietly unfolded in Wako Village, Gome District, on July 30, 2025. This time, soldiers from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) didn’t arrive with weapons, but with sincerity and open arms.
Led by Second Lieutenant Herman K., the troops of Task Force Yonif 700/Wira Yudha Cakti engaged in social communication (komsos) with the local community a strategic yet deeply human approach to building peace in Papua. The soldiers walked unarmed into the heart of Wako, symbolizing a message far more powerful than force: empathy and presence.
From Authority to Affinity: TNI and the People Share the Floor
Sitting cross-legged on woven mats alongside villagers, the troops engaged in heartfelt dialogue with Pastor Weki Tabuni, a respected spiritual leader and key voice in the community. The conversation touched on local concerns limited access to healthcare, education gaps, and persistent security worries. But what stood out was the tone: open, warm, and equal.
“We didn’t come to dominate. We came to listen, ” said Lt. Herman. “Yes, we are protectors, but we’re also brothers. Our mission here is grounded in trust.”
Children who once watched warily from behind doorways were soon laughing, drawn out by smiles, snacks, and genuine gestures. Small gifts exchanged hands not as a show of power, but as symbols of compassion. In that moment, the soldiers became more than uniforms; they became part of the village’s emotional landscape.
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Pastor Weki expressed his deep appreciation for the soldiers’ presence, calling it "a sign that the nation still cares."
“TNI are not strangers here, ” he said. “They are part of our family now. Their presence brings security and hope. This is how the state should exist close, kind, and concerned.”
The interaction marks a shift in the way peace is pursued in Papua not through force, but through dialogue, respect, and shared humanity.
A Mission Beyond Security: Building Bridges of Trust
For the Yonif 700/WYC Task Force, the visit to Wako is only the beginning. These efforts to strengthen civil-military relations show that peace in Papua must be rooted in trust, not tension.
“To us, Indonesia is more than territory it is a shared home, ” said Lt. Herman. “And this home must be defended not only with strength, but with love.”
In a land too often associated with fear and distance, Wako Village offers a glimpse of something different: a genuine bond between soldiers and civilians, stitched together by listening, humility, and hope.
Because in the end, the true strength of a nation lies not just in its firepower, but in its ability to connect heart to heart.
Authentication:
HABEMA Media Task Force Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Inf Iwan Dwi Prihartono
