Troops from Task Force Yonif 521/DY delivered reading materials and writing tools to students at YPK Apalapsili Elementary School in Yalimo District, Highland Papua Province, the unit’s commander said Friday.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to improving education in our area of assignment, where schools face severe shortages of learning materials,” said Lt. Col. Rahadyan Surya Murdata in a written statement from Wamena.
The donation was part of the task force’s broader civil mission to support local communities in Papua, where access to quality education remains limited due to isolation, lack of infrastructure, and ongoing security challenges.
“With these books and stationery, we hope to spark greater motivation among young students to pursue their education. They are the future of our nation,” Murdata said.
He added that the military is committed not only to maintaining security but also to strengthening ties with local communities and contributing to development, especially in sectors like education.
“We aim to build lasting relationships and inspire children in remote areas to continue learning despite limited resources,” he said.
School principal Alpius Yando welcomed the support, saying the donated materials would have an immediate impact on teaching and learning in the classroom.
“We are deeply grateful for these books and supplies,” Yando said.
“They are a big help in improving the learning environment at our school. May God bless the soldiers in carrying out their duties in Papua,” he added.
ANTARA noted that Indonesian troops stationed in Papua are expected to multitask and respond swiftly to daily challenges faced by local communities.
They are often called to act as problem-solvers while carrying out their primary mission to protect national sovereignty and ensure public safety.
Sharing land and sea borders with Papua New Guinea, the provinces of Papua and West Papua hold significant geopolitical and strategic value for Indonesia.
Despite persistent security threats from armed separatist groups in several areas, soldiers in the region continue to demonstrate their commitment to community welfare through service-oriented programs.
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Translator: Yudhi E, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Primayanti
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