Armed forces initiatives improve quality of life in Indonesia’s Papua

Gusty Da Costa

Indonesia’s military is enhancing infrastructure and engagement with residents in the Papua province, an isolated region at the nation’s far eastern end. The Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) is building a major road to connect the island’s interior cities, improving educational opportunities, supporting health care services and distributing essential supplies.

The TNI also had a significant presence during the May 2024 national elections, ensuring security and safeguarding the democratic process in the province’s conflict-prone areas.

The 4,325-kilometer Trans Papua Road will connect the cities of Wamena, Nduga and Mulia, facilitating movement of people and goods, and boosting economic activity, Connie Rahakundini Bakrie, a defense analyst and author of Defending Indonesia, told FORUM. “The TNI project to build the Trans Papua land road is very positive and beneficial for the mountainous Papuan people, supporting all life in their respective areas,” she said.

TNI has worked to enhance education in Papua by building schools, providing teachers and offering scholarships. “This activity shows the TNI’s efforts in supporting the development of the whole person, not only through infrastructure but also through improving the welfare and quality of human resources in remote villages,” Beni Sukadis, an Indonesian Institute of Defense and Strategic Studies analyst, told FORUM.

TNI also has brought essential medical services to the province. “The TNI provides health services in remote areas of Papua through programs such as the Integrated Health Post and Mobile Clinic,” Dave Laksono, an Indonesian lawmaker who oversees defense issues, told FORUM. “For patients who need further treatment, TNI helps refer them to bigger hospitals in the cities.”

Local communities are grateful for the TNI’s provision of free health checkups and essential supplies, the military reported. Kokamu Village resident Mama Angel Tabuni praised the additional health and social services. “Thank you, Bapak Tentara [Mr. Army Soldiers]. God bless you all,” she told TNI personnel.

The military’s role in ensuring security has been pivotal, according to Bakrie. “In the 2024 elections, the TNI’s presence among the Papuan community was considered successful by prioritizing professionalism and territorial activities,” she said.

TNI’s trust-building efforts have strengthened its relationship with the province’s residents, Bakrie added. The military’s engagement with community leaders has established a collaborative, mutually beneficial environment. “Building relationships with various community leaders is essential in the TNI’s efforts to interact with the Papuan people and build trust,” she said.

Economic empowerment is another goal. TNI has provided substantial support to local farmers, offering training and resources to improve agricultural productivity. For example, Infantry Battalion 6 Marines bought farmers’ products at Dekai Market in Yahukimo Regency to help boost the economy. “The initiative of the Soldiers of the 6 Marine Task Forces to help sellers of farming products is a role of the TNI in supporting efforts to accelerate development in the Papua region,” said Brig. Gen. Lucky Avianto.

To help preserve Papua’s heritage, TNI has organized cultural activities and built traditional houses.
The military’s commitment to development and peace in Papua is evident through its diverse and impactful programs, Bakrie said. “TNI programs in Papua are partially aligned with national development goals, and their positive impact is felt across the region,” she said.

Gusty Da Costa is a FORUM contributor based in Jakarta, Indonesia.