INTAN JAYA - Amid the misty highlands of Papua, where mountains stand tall and life is often rugged, a different kind of mission unfolded not one of conflict, but of compassion and connection. The RI-PNG Mobile Border Security Task Force Yonif 500/Sikatan, through its TK Bilogai Post, launched the humanitarian initiative known as “Rosita” (Buying Farmers’ Products) on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
Led by Sergeant Hadi Wiguna, a team of ten soldiers trekked through the green folds of Intan Jaya not to enforce, but to engage and empower. Their objective: to reach out to villagers, particularly the mothers who sell garden produce like bitter melon, sweet potatoes, and native forest fruits along village paths.
Rather than just chatting, the soldiers bought their harvests, showing respect for the labor and dignity behind each crop. Then, in a touching moment of solidarity, they handed out gently-used clothing, drawing warm laughter and grateful smiles from the local women smiles that spoke of trust rebuilt and walls broken down.
"We’re not just here as soldiers, ” said Sergeant Hadi Wiguna. “We’re here as brothers. What we do today is a reflection of our love for the Papuan people. We want to walk with them, not just protect them."
The impact of that sentiment resonated in the voice of one village mother, who softly said:
*These soldiers are kind. They helped us, bought our vegetables, gave us clothes… may God bless the Indonesian soldiers."
The “Rosita” initiative may have been a simple gesture on the surface, but it carried the deep weight of human dignity offering both economic support and emotional recognition to communities long living in the margins.
The activity was carried out peacefully and respectfully, reinforcing the role of Task Force Yonif 500/Sikatan not just as defenders of borders, but as builders of trust guardians who protect with presence, not just power.
“In Papua, we don’t just share a land we share a future, ” the Task Force noted. “And that future begins with listening, serving, and standing together.”
Editorial Insight:
This is more than just a story of uniforms and boots on the ground. It’s about how small acts of compassion buying crops, sharing clothes, offering smiles can transform soldiers into family, and duty into humanity.
Authentication:
Task Force Commander HABEMA Media, Lieutenant Colonel Inf Iwan Dwi Prihartono
