From Camouflage to Compassion: Soldiers Build Bridges of Hope in Papua’s Heartland

PAPUA - In the remote highlands of Kimak Village, Ilaga District, Puncak Regency, Papua, a different kind of mission unfolded on June 6, 2025. Amid dense jungles and a swift river’s edge, the familiar sounds of military boots and gunfire were replaced by the rhythm of hoes striking earth and laughter echoing through misty hills. These were not soldiers at war but warriors of peace, building more than just a road.

Members of Task Force Yonif 700/Wira Yudha Cakti traded rifles for shovels as they rolled up their sleeves to restore a vital rural road damaged by erosion. This unassuming dirt path connects Ilaga City to Wuloni Village in North Ilaga, serving as a lifeline for transportation, commerce, and healthcare. What they were rebuilding wasn’t just infrastructure it was hope.

Beneath a gentle drizzle, children’s laughter mingled with the clinks of tools. Locals stood side by side with uniformed soldiers, their feet sunk deep in mud, their hands blistered but unwavering. The unity was palpable. For these soldiers, the mission was not merely a task it was an act of devotion.

Sergeant First Class Apolos Ledanaung, a native son of Papua, stood tall amid the gravel and rain. Though his face bore the lines of duty, his eyes revealed a quiet tenderness a glimpse of a soldier’s soul fueled by love for his people.

"This is what true synergy looks like, " said Lieutenant Colonel Inf. Heraldo Tabasonda, Commander of Task Force Yonif 700/WYC. "We are not only here to secure, but to build, to unite, and to inspire. This road is a symbol a witness to our shared journey toward peace and progress."

Major General TNI Lucky Avianto, Commander of Habema Operations Command, praised the soldiers’ dedication and emphasized TNI’s holistic role in Papua.
“What Yonif 700/WYC has done in Kimak is not just about fixing a road. It’s a tangible expression of our commitment to the people. Improved access will accelerate local economies and ensure basic services reach those in need. The development of Papua is a responsibility we all share.”

In Kimak, camouflage no longer means conflict it represents comfort, compassion, and community. The TNI uniform, often associated with defense, now tells a deeper story: one of unity, resilience, and unwavering love for Indonesia’s eastern frontier.

This is more than community service it’s a living testament to the power of solidarity between the military and the people. A bridge, not just across rivers, but across hearts.

Official Release: Task Force Media HABEMA – Lt. Col. Inf. Iwan Dwi Prihartono