Papuaaround.com – The Commander of the Iskandar Muda Military Region (Kodam IM), Major General Niko Fahrizal, officially sent off 450 soldiers from the 112th Infantry Battalion/Darma Jaya to carry out a border security mission between the Republic of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea (Satgas Pamtas RI-PNG). The send-off ceremony took place at Kreung Geukeh Port, North Aceh, on Sunday (November 17). The soldiers will be deployed in Puncak Jaya, Central Papua, for a one-year mission.
During the ceremony, Major General Niko reminded the soldiers to work smartly, sincerely, and thoroughly, and to uphold the honor of the Indonesian Army, particularly Kodam IM. “Work smart, sincerely, and thoroughly, and maintain the good name of the Indonesian Army, especially Kodam IM,” said the Commander in his address.
The 450 personnel from the 112th Infantry Battalion/Darma Jaya, led by the Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Inf. Fiska Bagus Tri Sunaryanto, will travel to their assigned area aboard the KRI Teluk Palu 523 warship. This mission is a crucial responsibility as the soldiers play a vital role in maintaining national sovereignty along the border.
Major General Niko emphasized that this deployment was a source of pride for the Indonesian Army, as the nation had entrusted them with this important military task. “Specifically, the personnel from 112th Infantry Battalion/Darma Jaya will carry out the border security mission between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea,” he said.
Prior to deployment, the soldiers underwent a month-long pre-assignment training at the Sanggabuana Combat Training Center in Karawang and Bogor, West Java. This training was designed to enhance the soldiers’ technical, tactical, and mental preparedness to face challenges in the field.
The Commander expressed confidence that the soldiers, equipped with professional skills and sincere dedication, would successfully carry out their mission. He also reminded them to always pray for safety during their service. “Always pray with every step and action, hoping that all personnel will depart and return safely and complete,” he said.
Major General Niko also stressed the importance of vigilance and responsibility during their deployment. “Do not be careless or take anything lightly while in the operational area, especially in maintaining and ensuring a stable and conducive security situation in Papua,” he added.
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Furthermore, the Commander encouraged the soldiers to respect the local culture and wisdom. He urged them to maintain good communication with local religious and community leaders, listen to their concerns, and offer the best solutions. “Respect the local culture and wisdom, maintain good communication with local religious and community leaders, win their hearts and minds, listen to their grievances, and provide the best answers and solutions,” he said.
The ceremony was also attended by key officials, including the Commander of Korem 011/Lilawangsa Colonel Inf. Ali Imran, Commander of Brigif 25/Siwah Lieutenant Colonel Inf. Raja Gunung Nasution, Commander of Lanal Lhokseumawe Colonel Laut (P) Andi Susanto, senior officers from Kodam IM, Commander of Kodim 0103/Aut Lieutenant Colonel Kav. Makhyar, and the Commander of KRI Teluk Palu 523 Lieutenant Colonel Laut (P) Ardian Widjanarko.