NDUGA - The Task Forces of the Para Raider Infantry Battalion 503/Mayangkara Kostrad, one of the military units under the command of the Indonesian Armed Forces Operational Command (KOOPS TNI) in Papua, is currently carrying out the mobile security at the border of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, especially in Nduga Regency area, Papua Pegunungan Province. On Thursday, 18 July 2024, the 503 Task Forces Patrol Team conducted routine security patrols in the Kenyam District. During the patrol, the Soldiers could cross the Keyabi Market. They conducted the “ROSITA” (Buy up Farming Products) belonging to residents who sold their farming products in the market.
The Commander of 503 Task Forces, Lieutenant Colonel Gurbasa Samosir, has emphasized to the Soldiers that activities to help people’s difficulties in their assigned areas are the priority in the main tasks of securing the area. Therefore, on that Thursday, the Quary Bawah Post led by First Lieutenant Febri, took advantage of their patrol by helping the local community's economy, especially those selling farming products.
By continuing to prioritize security, the Soldiers have the opportunity to interact and communicate with the sellers. By using their own pocket money, the Soldiers bought the farming products traded that morning. Responding to the ROSITA program, the sellers were very happy because the Soldiers bought up their merchandise. A seller, named Mama Ria Gwijangge, even said, "Thank you, Bapak Tentara (Soldier), for buying our farming products."
"The initiative of the 503 Task Forces to buy up the farming products in the Keyabi Market is the TNI's effort to help the people's economy, to support the acceleration of development in the Papua region, " said the KOOPS TNI Commanding General, Brigadier General Lucky Avianto, upon receiving the program report.