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View all search resultsTNI holds public kitchen, medical service in Papua village
The activities are in line with national policy to accelerate welfare development in Papua as regulated by Presidential Instruction No. 9/2020 and Law No. 2/2021 on Special Autonomy for Papua.
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The Indonesian Military's (TNI) Joint Regional Defense Command (Kogabwilhan) III commanding general Lt. Gen. Bambang Trisnohadi (right) talks to two Papuan students on Feb. 17 during a public kitchen event in Tinibil village in Oksamol district, Pegunungan Bintang regency, Papua Highlands, in this picture provided by the Defense Ministry. Kogabwilhan III also provided basic medical service for villagers. (Courtesy of Defense Ministry/-)
T
he Indonesian Military’s (TNI) Joint Regional Defense Command (Kogabwilhan) III conducted social activities for residents of Tinibil village in Oksamol district, Pegunungan Bintang regency, Papua Highlands.
Held in cooperation with the Border Security Operations Command (Koops Pamtas) Swasembada and 753rd Special Raider Infantry Battalion/Arga Vira Tama, the social activities included a public kitchen and free medical service for the villagers, Kogabwilhan III said in a press release on Tuesday.
“The activities are part of the implementation of military operations other than war [MOOTW] as stipulated by Law No. 34/2004 on TNI, especially in assisting regional administration and supporting efforts to improve people’s welfare,” Kogabwilhan III commanding general Lt. Gen. Bambang Trisnohadi said, as quoted by the statement.
“TNI presence in Papua is not only in the context of maintaining security stability but also ensuring the people receiving the benefits of the state’s presence.”
The activities are in line with national policy to accelerate welfare development in Papua as regulated by Presidential Instruction No. 9/2020 and Law No. 2/2021 on Special Autonomy for Papua.
Pegunungan Bintang regency is known for its mountainous terrain with limited transportation. The integration of social services is a strategic effort to fulfill the people’s basic need as well as strengthening relations between the public and the security apparatus.
The public kitchen was held in cooperation with social content creator Bobon Santoso through the Red-and-White Wok program. Bobon is well known for his large-scale cooking events, providing meals for many people.
A wok was the center of attention, functioning not only as a cooking utensil but also a symbol of gotong royong (working together). Soldiers wearing combat fatigues cooked together with villagers and distribute hot meals to villagers.
The soldiers also distributed gifts consisting of school supplies for the children.
Meanwhile, medical personnel checked the villagers’ general health and provided basic treatment as well as giving health education. All villagers were checked, from infants to senior villagers.
“A humane approach will always be prioritized during every mission in Papua,” Koops Pamtas Swasembada commanding general Maj. Gen. Novi Rubadi Sugito said, as quoted by the statement.
“Soldiers must become a solution for the people’s basic needs.”
Novi said that in the context of Papua, which is often filled by negative and provocative narratives by the separatist group Free Papua Organization (OPM), a humane approach was a stronger answer than rhetoric.
“The synergy between defense elements, regional administrations and the public is key in creating a situation that is safe, conducive and productive for development,” he said. (nvn)
