Infantry Battalion or Yonif 143/TWEJ bought Papua handicrafts called Noken from local communities. The members of the Indonesian military Satgas Yonif 153 purchase this traditional Noken craft from people who live in Woslay Village, Senggi District, Keerom Regency.
This initiative is part of the Satgas Yonif 143’s effort to improve the socio-economic conditions of the people living in remote areas of Papua. The Satgas Yonif 143 has been deployed to Papua to maintain peace and stability in the region.
In addition to securing the border between Papua and Papua New Guinea, the Satgas also have another duty to help locals overcome their difficulties.
Major Infantry Adi Ariyanto, Deputy Commander of Satgas Yonif 143, said they always try to contribute to the local communities. So, the people in remote areas in Papua can live better and more independently.
Local Communities Welcome Satgas
The Satgas Yonif 143 has realized that purchasing handicrafts from the locals could help to create a sustainable economy in the region. This initiative not only provides the locals with a source of income.
But, it also promotes their traditional art and craft skills, which are often overlooked in modern times.
Mama Lince, the representative of the locals, really appreciates this activity. The communities are undoubtedly proud and happy since Satgas purchase all of their Noken crafts.
Adi Ariyanto also stated that Satgas will promote traditional handicrafts. In addition, he hopes that this activity can empower locals to achieve prosperity and financial independence.
The locals have been producing a wide range of handicrafts, including traditional jewelry, bags, baskets, and carvings. But, during this activity, locals want to promote Papua traditional bags or carriers called Noken.
Noken is a handicraft that is made of the natural wood fiber. Then, locals usually carry this bag using their heads. The role of Noken is important for their daily activities. It is because they often use it to carry food and other commodities.
The representatives of Noken craftsmen also thanked Satgas Yonif for buying their Papua craft. In addition to buying Noken, Satgas also gives some food supplies to locals.
The locals have expressed their gratitude to the Satgas Yonif 143 for their efforts to improve the socio-economic conditions of the region.
The initiative has helped create a sustainable economy in the region. But it also helps to build trust between the Indonesian military and local communities.
Another Helpful Activity
Purchasing Papua traditional handicrafts is not the only initiative done by Satgas Yonif 143/TWEJ. They also help to improve the communities’ welfare by purchasing agricultural products.
This activity also aims to improve the local economy. Satgas Yonif 143 often visits the residents’ houses to give some food supplies. Besides, they also buy corn crops from locals.
It is because the local residents have some problems selling the crops. Furthermore, they also have some difficulties finding fertilizers and pesticides. As a result, the corn fields only rely on the condition of nature.
That is why the result of the harvest is not good enough. Local communities expect that the government can provide them with facilities such as seeds and fertilizers. So they can improve the quality of the corn crops.
Satgas Yonif 143 has implemented several government programs to increase the residents’ prosperity. In fact, the locals can live better when they can meet their basic needs and develop their economy.
That is why Satgas Yonif tries to promote economic development by purchasing Papua art and handicrafts and the harvest. Additionally, they often help communities by providing food supplies.
In conclusion, Satgas Yonif 143’s initiative to purchase Papua handicrafts and crops from the locals in remote areas of Papua has been a success. The initiative has helped to create a sustainable economy in the region while promoting the locals’ traditional art and crafts skills.
