Unity in Action: TNI’s 501 Task Force and Frambu Villagers Join Forces for an Environmental Makeover in Papua

PAPUA - In a heartwarming collaboration that reflects the spirit of community and dedication to progress, members of the Indonesian Armed Forces’ 501 Para Raider Infantry Battalion Task Force teamed up with local residents of Frambu Village in Maybrat Regency, Southwest Papua Province, to clean up their village. The initiative, held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, was led by the Task Force Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Yakhya Wisnu Arianto, and marks the Task Force’s commitment to not only security but also the well-being of the communities they serve.

This environmental clean-up is part of a larger community engagement strategy by the 501 Task Force, stationed under the HABEMA Command at the border between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Recognizing the importance of fostering strong bonds with the local community, Lieutenant Colonel Yakhya and his team have been building relationships with local leaders since mid-October. The result? A well-organized, hands-on clean-up initiative that focused on clearing the roads, cleaning gutters, and sprucing up areas around residents’ homes.

As dawn broke over Frambu, soldiers and villagers worked side by side, exchanging smiles and words of encouragement as they transformed their shared spaces. The activity was more than just a clean-up—it was a bridge between the TNI and the local community, symbolizing mutual respect and a shared commitment to creating a better environment for all.

Frambu Village Community Leader, Mr. Rian Fatemyo, expressed heartfelt gratitude after seeing the results of their combined efforts. "Thank you, Commander 501. Frambu Village feels refreshed and revitalized. God bless, " he said, reflecting the appreciation felt across the community.

The Commander of HABEMA, Brigadier General Lucky Avianto, praised the 501 Task Force for its proactive community approach. "The efforts of the 501 Task Force to engage with local communities in Papua set an exemplary model for inclusive social communication. It’s a small but meaningful step towards the broader goal of accelerating development and instilling a sense of pride and progress in the region, " he remarked, underscoring the positive impact of initiatives like these on the lives of Papua’s residents.

With this event, the 501 Task Force has strengthened ties with Frambu Village, paving the way for continued collaboration and shared progress in the future. It is a reminder that the work of the TNI extends beyond defense it also embraces a vision of unity, responsibility, and hope for Indonesia’s border communities. 

Certified by: Dansatgas Media HABEMA, Colonel Arh Yogi Nugroho