Seeds of Unity in Papua: Task Force Yonif 732/Banau Builds Trust and Food Security in Ambobera Highlands

PAPUA - High in the misty mountains of Ambobera, where uncertainty often overshadows daily life, hope arrived not with force but with smiles, seeds, and sincere conversation. Thursday, June 19, 2025.

The Task Force Yonif 732/Banau, through its Ambobera Post, has taken an inspiring step toward fostering unity and security in the community. In an effort to combat misinformation, division, and fear, the unit conducted a meaningful Social Communication (Komsos) session with the residents of Ambobera Village, Puncak Regency, Papua.

Far beyond a formal visit, the troops came bearing more than words. They brought vegetable seeds, knowledge about food security, and a firm belief that building resilience begins with building relationships.

“Our goal is not only to maintain security, but also to empower, ” said Danpos Ambobera Letda Inf Lumban Gaol. “We regularly engage with the community especially youth so they can see the TNI not as a distant force, but as a partner in solving daily challenges. That’s why we educate them on growing food, on staying informed, and on staying united.”

This initiative is part of the TNI’s broader territorial development strategy (Binter), which seeks to align perceptions, prevent conflict, and support the well-being of local communities especially in areas vulnerable to misinformation and separatist threats.

Letda Lumban Gaol emphasized that the best defense against instability is strong community ties.

“We go directly to the people. We listen. We respond. That’s how we counter hoaxes and provocations by standing with the people, not just for them.”

The effort was warmly welcomed by the villagers. One of them, Yacobus (43), expressed genuine appreciation for the TNI’s presence:

“Every time the TNI visits, we feel safe and happy. They’re friendly, they listen, and they greet us with warmth. Life feels more peaceful since the Post was established here. In the past, we lived in fear of OPM terror. Now, we feel protected.”

Through continuous outreach and trust-building efforts like this, Task Force Yonif 732/Banau is proving that stability is not just enforced it’s cultivated, like the seeds they handed out, one interaction at a time.

Authentication:

Dansatgas Media HABEMA, Lieutenant Colonel Iwan Dwi Prihartono