Mimika, Central Papua — In the midst of security issues and social challenges that often adorn the Papuan news, a different atmosphere is seen in SP2 District, Mimika Regency. The sincere smiles of the children and the cheerful laughter of the local residents welcomed the presence of two personnel of the Caritas Public Relations task force Operation Peace Cartenz at the Timika Post in a simple but meaningful activity, Saturday afternoon (23/6).
Activities initiated by Briptu Yoga Yandika, S.H., and Bripda M. Adharmansyah Rumakat is not just sharing candy or inviting children to talk casually. For the surrounding community, especially the elderly, that moment becomes a symbol that the police officers are also present as friends and protectors of small communities.
“Usually children are afraid to see the police, but today they are playing together. This makes us parents calm down,” said Mrs. Nela, a local resident who also witnessed the familiarity from a distance.
For citizens, this kind of approach is much more touching than just armed patrols. They admit, the humanistic interaction carried out by the apparatus can restore old trauma and build new trust, especially in the midst of people who still have wounds from armed conflicts in the past.
“We are happy because the officers do not only come when there is a problem. They also came to give smiles,” added Mr. Elia, a local youth figure.
Moments created around the PT area. The Indo Papua took place in a warm atmosphere. The children looked cheerful, laughing without fear, as if they felt that the figure in uniform was no longer a scary figure of authority, but a new caring friend.
The Head Operation Peace Cartenz-2025, Brigadier General Pol. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., previously emphasized that the humanist approach is an important strategy in growing a sense of security in Papua.
“We want to show that the National Police is not only present to enforce the law, but also to serve with heart, especially to Papuan children who are the next generation of the nation,” he said.
Meanwhile, Head of Public Relations Operation Peace Cartenz-2025, Chief Commissioner of Police Yusuf Sutejo, S.I.K., M.T., added that this seemingly simple activity has a big impact on building emotional closeness.
“Warm hugs, small talk, and laughter with children are part of the peaceful mission that we bring. That is the face of the National Police that we want to present in Papua,” he said.
This activity was welcomed positively and showed that the closeness between the apparatus and the community can be built from sincere little things. In the future, residents hope that similar activities can continue and reach more villages and communities in Papua.
“If children can already smile with the police, then the hope for peaceful Papua is real,” concluded Mrs. Nela while hugging her child who had just received candy from the officer.
