TNI Trucks Transport Papua’s Inland Children to School, Boosting Education Access

The Border Security Task Force (Pamtas) of the 511th Infantry Battalion (DY) has launched a programme to transport students to school in Tolikara Regency, Highland Papua, to address transportation limitations in the area.

Deputy Commander of Karubaga Post, Corporal Dimas Rangga, stated the initiative aims to help children in Karubaga Village, Karubaga District, attend classes more easily and safely.

“We are providing transport to ferry children to school amid limited transportation facilities in the region,” Dimas said in a statement received in Wamena on Sunday (24 May 2026).

He added that the military’s presence in mountainous and border areas is not only for security but also to support community activities, including education.

“Our presence ensures smooth teaching and learning while boosting the motivation of Papua’s inland children,” he said.

Previously, students had to walk around three kilometres through mountainous terrain to reach school, leaving many exhausted and frequently late for classes.

“Children often arrive late due to the long distance between home and school. Hence, we assist in transporting them to ensure they arrive promptly and do not miss lessons,” he explained.

Dimas emphasised education’s critical role in shaping the mindset, character, and outlook of Papua’s youth.

“We aim to support national education efforts, particularly for school-age children in border regions where we are deployed,” he said.

He hopes the programme will ease education access for border-area children, enabling them to grow into intelligent successors who can serve as role models in their communities.

Meanwhile, student parent Misya Kogoya (39) expressed gratitude for the Border Security Task Force’s assistance in using official vehicles to transport children to school.