Nduga, Papua Mountain Province, West Papua Indonesia – His name is Tian. He is still studying in fourth grade at an elementary school in the city of Kenyam, the capital of Nduga district, Papua Mountains. Every day he walks without shoes to school.

Every day Tian passes by the Yonif 411/Pandawa Kostrad Command Post, Indonesian Army. Occasionally he glanced at the post. His view seemed to imagine that he had no future due to security disturbances.

One time, while passing in front of the post, he was called and approached by a Kostrad soldier. He stopped. Maybe you’re worried about being asked for something you don’t know.

“What is the name?” said the TNI, later identified as Dian Saputra, an Indonesian Army soldier with the rank of Praka.

“Tian,” he answered as if he was afraid.

Unexpectedly, Praka Dian reached into his pocket and took out tens of thousands of bills.

“This, brother, will give you pocket money. Those who are enthusiastic about learning will be smart,” said Praka Dian.

Tian held out his hand, accepted the money and thanked him. Then he continued his journey to school.

Scenes like that are an everyday sight. Finally, many of the children then played at the post. Seeing this, Lieutenant Colonel Subandi, Dansatgas Mobile Yonif 411/Pandawa Kostrad then took the initiative to make the post a place to play.

A smart hut was created complete with all kinds of children’s literature and children’s toys. He also changed the name of the post to Post Smile.

Yonif 411/Pandawa Kostrad was assigned to Kenyam, Nduga district, to maintain the security and calm of residents. The troops based in Salatiga were assigned for a total of 9 months.

During his 9 months of service, he experienced many battles. Mainly armed groups are disrupting the security, comfort and tranquility of the Nduga community.

The battle took its toll. Both members of the TNI and criminal groups. Data from the Indonesian Army states that 4 soldiers died. Meanwhile, 15 people from the armed group led by Egianus Kogoya died.

Dansatgas mobile Yonif 411/Pandawa Kostrad, Lt. Col. Subandi, said the victim was very detrimental. Not only is it detrimental to the Indonesian Army, but also to society.

“If we can have dialogue, there will be no need for casualties. From the security intruders, there are clear losses because they also have families who are also members of the community. Personally, I hope that the conflict will stop soon to prevent further casualties,” said Lt. Col. Subandi.

That is also what made Lt. Col. Subandi so desperate to gain public trust. Social service programs, programs to improve people’s lives are its mainstay.

The climax was when he planned to build two church buildings for the residents of Nduga. Things that seem easy if you have the money.

“But it’s not like that. The difficulties are much higher. We have to bring materials thousands of kilometers away using sea routes,” said Lt. Col. Subandi.

Other difficulties include ensuring that the quality of building materials is not damaged during the journey and being vigilant in ensuring the safety of the materials from security intruders during road trips that require passing through forests.

The church was built quickly. There are no builders who can be paid to build. So, these soldiers laid down their weapons and focused on building two church buildings.

“This will start at the end of November 2023. The target is to celebrate Christmas for the residents. These two churches are for Christians and Catholics. Thankfully, many friends in the troops work beyond reason. In fact, in order to achieve the target, they work overtime without any orders from their commander. “I, as a commander, am moved to see the sincerity of my friends and can only ask for them to maintain their spirits and health,” said Lt. Col. Subandi.

Target achieved. Nduga residents really find it helpful to be able to celebrate Christmas at church. Towards the end of its term of service, the church was officially handed over to the community.

Chairman of the Nduga Traditional Community Institute, Jhon Beon, said that on behalf of the community he admitted that his party had really shown the fact that the presence of the TNI was very beneficial.

“I feel like I was given a new understanding that the TNI’s presence here is not just fighting. Yonif 411/Pandawa Kostrad is different. Thank you to the commander for making us believe more and be more active in the oneness of the Indonesian Army and the people of West Papua,” said Jhon Beon.

It was also conveyed that with this unity, the children would not be afraid to associate with the Indonesian Army.

“Children seem to have more hope for their lives in the future. These children just need security, comfort and tranquility to be able to realize Nduga’s future is on par with other cities,” said Jhon Beon.

What John Beon said was not made up. The friendship between Nduga children and Indonesian Army soldiers is a new sight. Like the closeness between Prada Firman Darmawan and Dason Lokbere whose photo is displayed at the top of this article.

It was not easy for Prada Firman to get the Kostrad green beret. There are many tests to pass. But with sincerity and the intention of making Dason smile and be confident, Prada Firman put his beret on Dason.