TNI deploys 450 combat troops from Aceh to guard RI-PNG border

The Korem 012/Teuku Umar of the Iskandar Muda Military Command (Kodam IM) in Aceh has dispatched 450 Indonesian Army soldiers from Infantry Battalion 117/Ksatria Yudha (Yonif 117/KY) for a mission to guard the RI-PNG border in Boven Digoel. “This mission not only focuses on security and territorial sovereignty aspects, but also on a humanitarian mission,” said Commander of Yonif 117/Ksatria Yudha, Lieutenant Colonel Inf Jahrul Fahmi, in North Aceh on Thursday. The combat unit under Korem 012/Teuku Umar departed for the Papua border region aboard the KRI Banjarmasin-592 via Krueng Geukueh Port, North Aceh. Before boarding the warship, a solemn peusijuk (flour-pouring) traditional ceremony was held at the pier. The procession was led directly by Aceh’s charismatic religious figure, Tengku Muzakkir, also known as Waled Lapang. This distinctive Acehnese tradition symbolises prayers, blessings, and hopes that all personnel will be granted safety, strength, and smoothness in carrying out their state duties. Lieutenant Colonel Inf Jahrul Fahmi explained that before entering the area of operations, all his troops will stop over in Cipatat, West Java. They will first be forged through a month-long pre-deployment training. “After the pre-deployment training is complete, the troops will be dispatched to Boven Digoel Regency, Papua, to carry out a 12-month RI–PNG border security mission,” he said. He stressed that this mission not only focuses on security and territorial sovereignty aspects. The Yonif 117/KY Task Force soldiers also carry a humanitarian mission through community development programmes in the border area. In addition, the soldiers will also apply skills in agriculture, plantations, and fisheries. They have been equipped during the preparation period to help the welfare of local residents. Lieutenant Colonel Inf Jahrul added that all his personnel are now in a state of combat and duty readiness, both mentally, physically, and in terms of equipment. On this occasion, he advised all soldiers to always prioritise safety factors and maintain the good name of the unit while in the assignment area. “To the soldiers’ families, please offer unceasing prayers and moral support so that this sacred duty runs successfully until the soldiers return to Aceh safely, without lacking anything,” concluded Lieutenant Colonel Inf Jahrul Fahmi.