Pegunungan Bintang, Papua, Indonesia – In a continued effort to foster peace and strengthen ties with local communities in Indonesia’s easternmost region, personnel from the Peace Operation Task Force “Damai Cartenz-2025” conducted a community engagement patrol in Okpol Village, Oksibil District, on Monday, May 19, 2025.
Led by First Police Inspector Santosa, the patrol aimed not only to ensure public safety but also to build trust with residents in this remote highland area. This initiative is part of the task force’s broader human-centered approach to maintaining stability in Papua, a region historically affected by unrest and separatist tensions.
During the patrol, the officers met with community leaders, youth representatives, and local residents to listen to their concerns and aspirations. Dialogues focused on issues ranging from public safety to daily hardships, with officers also providing guidance on cooperative security efforts.
Brigadier General Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, Chief of the Damai Cartenz-2025 Task Force, emphasized the significance of the patrols as more than routine operations. “This is not just about security patrols; it’s about listening to people, understanding their needs, and finding peaceful solutions together,” he stated.
Echoing this sentiment, the task force’s Deputy Chief, Commissioner Adarma Sinaga, and Public Relations Chief, Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, underlined the importance of two-way communication in building long-term peace.
“We encourage open dialogue. Our presence here is to show that the police are partners in peace, not outsiders. When communities and security forces work together, we can build a safer, more harmonious Papua,” said Commissioner Sutejo.
The patrol concluded with the dissemination of key messages promoting community cohesion, vigilance against security threats, and support for government programs. Residents welcomed the approach, noting that it marked a positive shift from previous security interactions.
This community-focused initiative by the Damai Cartenz-2025 Task Force reflects Indonesia’s broader efforts to address complex challenges in Papua through engagement, dialogue, and mutual trust — signaling a path forward rooted in partnership rather than conflict.
