The usually quiet Mopah Airport turned into a stage of celebration. Drums echoed across the terminal, dancers in vibrant costumes performed traditional movements, and elders carried symbols of cultural pride. On that morning, the people of South Papua were not just welcoming a new military leader—they were embracing the future.
The arrival of Mayjen TNI Lucky Avianto, commander of the newly formed Kodam XXIV/Mandala Trikora, marked more than a protocol visit. It was a signal of transformation. For many in Merauke, Asmat, Mappi, and Boven Digoel—the four regencies that make up Papua Selatan—the establishment of a new regional military command carries both symbolic and practical weight. It represents security, stability, and above all, recognition that their region is vital to Indonesia’s broader vision.
As the crowd cheered and the commander received the Pacin crown of the Asmat tribe, a ceremonial headpiece traditionally reserved for respected leaders, one could sense the moment’s gravity. The event was not merely about the expansion of military presence—it was about respect, trust, and a pledge that the armed forces would stand alongside the people.
A Welcome Rooted in Culture
The Pacin crown, placed on Pangdam Lucky Avianto’s head by Governor Apolo Safanpo, symbolizes protection and guardianship in Asmat tradition. By bestowing this honor, community leaders sent a clear message: the people expect Kodam Mandala Trikora to be not just an authority of command but a guardian of life, culture, and dignity.
Traditional welcomes are common in Papua, but this one resonated differently. For decades, many Papuans have felt distant from decision-making centers in Jakarta. By integrating local customs into a state event, the ceremony signaled a new chapter—an acknowledgment that cultural identity and state authority can move together in harmony.
Political Leaders Voice Optimism
Political figures across Papua Selatan have publicly expressed their support. Governor Apolo Safanpo declared that the presence of Kodam XXIV and the Kogabwilhan (Joint Defense Regional Command) will reinforce peace, encourage investment, and accelerate development projects.
“This is not only about security,” the governor said during his welcoming remarks. “It is about creating a climate where education, health, infrastructure, and the economy can grow without fear of disruption. Papua Selatan deserves stability, and with Kodam Mandala Trikora, we hope to achieve it.”
Local regents echoed this optimism. The Bupati of Merauke emphasized that the command’s establishment must involve collaboration with the local government and civil society to address community needs. Similarly, the Bupati of Mappi highlighted that lasting development depends on strong partnerships, where TNI becomes not just a guard at the border but a force that helps pave roads, secure schools, and protect local livelihoods.
At the parliamentary level, Heribertus Silubun, Chair of Papua Selatan’s DPRP, described the creation of the new Kodam as “a long-awaited answer” to citizens’ concerns over safety in remote areas and borderlands. He added that enhanced stability will give investors confidence to engage in Papua Selatan’s rich natural resources and tourism potential.
“Sobat Masyarakat”: A Vision of Partnership
Perhaps the most striking element of Pangdam Lucky Avianto’s early speeches are his insistence that Kodam XXIV is not arriving as an outside force. Instead, it comes as “Sobat Masyarakat”—a friend of the people.
The acronym “SOBAT” reflects five core values: Sinergi (Synergy), Optimis (Optimism), Berhasil (Success), Adaptif (Adaptability), and Tepat (Precision). By embedding this motto into the DNA of the new Kodam, the commander seeks to redefine the image of the military in Papua.
“Our presence should not be felt only through uniforms,” he said. “It must be seen in trust, in collaboration, in shared success. Kodam Mandala Trikora is here to serve alongside the people, not above them.”
This message, repeated in multiple public appearances, aims to build confidence among communities that historically have been cautious about military presence. By framing the Kodam as a partner in development and a supporter of social stability, the leadership is attempting to bridge past gaps with a forward-looking approach.
Why Security Matters for Development
For decades, Papua Selatan has faced structural challenges: vast distances between districts, limited infrastructure, logistical difficulties, and occasional disruptions from illicit cross-border activity or communal tensions. While many areas remain peaceful, even small incidents can slow down investment and limit mobility.
The new Kodam is expected to address these concerns by:
- Securing remote districts and border zones. Patrols and faster response teams will help communities feel safe in areas where police presence alone has often been stretched thin.
- Protecting infrastructure projects. Roads, bridges, schools, and health clinics require long-term security guarantees to attract both public and private investment.
- Supporting disaster response. Papua’s geography, with frequent floods and difficult terrains, requires coordinated efforts between TNI, local government, and communities.
- Promoting stability for education and health services. Teachers and medical workers can work more confidently when security is assured.
In short, the Kodam’s arrival is not only about addressing potential threats but also about creating a protective environment where daily life and long-term development can flourish.
Early Steps: Building Synergy with Local Institutions
True to its motto, Kodam Mandala Trikora began forging partnerships immediately. One of Mayjen Lucky Avianto’s first official visits was to the BP3OKP (Badan Pengarah Percepatan Pembangunan Otonomi Khusus Papua) Papua Selatan, an institution tasked with coordinating special autonomy development programs.
During this meeting, discussions focused on aligning military support with regional priorities: infrastructure, human resource development, and social welfare. Yoseph Yolmen, head of BP3OKP Papua Selatan, emphasized the importance of preparing the younger generation to seize opportunities through education and civic engagement. “We must ensure that our youth are not only safe but also empowered,” he said.
By engaging directly with BP3OKP and local governments, Kodam Mandala Trikora demonstrates that its mandate extends beyond security operations—it includes active participation in the region’s socio-economic progress.
Voices from the Community
While leaders speak of policies and strategies, the voices of ordinary citizens provide the clearest picture of public expectation. In villages near Merauke, residents said they hope the Kodam will ensure safer roads at night, particularly along routes often used for smuggling. In Asmat, community leaders expressed optimism that greater security will attract more teachers and health workers to remote schools and clinics.
Fishermen in Boven Digoel, meanwhile, raised hopes that military patrols will help reduce illegal fishing and protect local livelihoods. Farmers in Mappi suggested that military logistics could support distribution of crops, lowering the cost of transport.
Yet alongside optimism, there is cautious curiosity. Some villagers ask whether the Kodam will truly respect traditional land rights and community customs. Others worry about the balance between security presence and civilian freedom. These voices highlight that the real test of Kodam Mandala Trikora will be measured not only in security statistics but also in daily human experiences.
Risks and Challenges Ahead
The optimism surrounding the establishment of Kodam Mandala Trikora is undeniable, yet no one expects the journey to be without obstacles. One of the foremost challenges lies in resource allocation. Building a new military command in Papua Selatan requires not only barracks and bases but also complex logistics networks that demand careful budgeting and long-term planning. Beyond infrastructure, coordination becomes equally critical. The Kodam must learn to operate hand-in-hand with police forces, regional governments, and civilian agencies to ensure that responsibilities do not overlap and that efforts complement rather than compete with one another.
Equally important is the challenge of managing public expectations. Many citizens anticipate quick improvements in safety and services, but development is a gradual process. If visible progress takes too long, the initial enthusiasm could give way to disappointment. Another delicate balance is the Kodam’s presence itself. While people welcome protection, an overly heavy-handed approach—or a lack of respect for local customs and traditions—could erode trust and revive old tensions. The institution must therefore walk a fine line, offering security while remaining sensitive to the cultural and social fabric of Papua Selatan.
Finally, the environment cannot be ignored. Papua is home to fragile ecosystems that are vital not only to local communities but also to global biodiversity. Any construction of facilities or expansion of patrol activities must take into account the protection of forests, rivers, and wildlife. Failure to do so would risk undermining the very development that security is meant to protect.
For Kodam Mandala Trikora to truly succeed, it must navigate these challenges with wisdom and restraint, ensuring that its mission is carried out not as an isolated military agenda but as a partnership rooted in the people’s trust, the region’s culture, and the preservation of its natural wealth.
Symbolism and Legacy
The very name Mandala Trikora carries history. Mandala signifies a sphere of influence, while Trikora recalls Indonesia’s historic struggle to integrate West Papua into the republic. By reviving this name, the government is sending a strong signal: this Kodam is not only a military institution but also a guardian of national unity.
At the same time, the chosen motto—Sobat Masyarakat—suggests that this unity must be built through friendship, cooperation, and shared aspirations, not through force alone. If realized, this approach could transform the narrative of military presence in Papua into one of genuine partnership.
The Road Ahead: Measuring Success
For the people of Papua Selatan, the true test of Kodam Mandala Trikora will not be measured in ceremonies or speeches, but in the tangible improvements they experience in daily life. One of the first benchmarks will be whether mobility between regencies becomes safer, allowing families, traders, and workers to travel without fear or disruption. Just as important is the steady delivery of essential services—schools that remain open, teachers who feel secure enough to stay, and clinics that can reach remote communities with consistent medical care.
Economic activity will also serve as a critical indicator. When investors feel confident to open businesses, farmers can transport their harvests without loss, and local markets thrive, it will reflect a climate of stability that attracts growth rather than deters it. At the same time, success will depend on whether the Kodam shows genuine respect for cultural traditions and the authority of local leaders, ensuring that security operations are conducted in harmony with Papuan identity rather than in conflict with it.
Another measure lies within the Kodam itself—how far Papuan youth are recruited, trained, and promoted in its ranks. Their inclusion will not only strengthen local trust but also prove that the institution is committed to empowering the next generation. Finally, transparency in operations and accountability to communities will remain essential. A command structure that communicates openly and answers to the people it serves will demonstrate integrity and build lasting confidence.
If these milestones can be achieved, then Kodam Mandala Trikora has the potential to stand as a model for Indonesia—a security institution that not only protects but also nurtures, integrating seamlessly with local culture while laying the foundation for sustainable development.
Conclusion
The welcome at Mopah Airport was more than a ceremony. It was a contract of trust between the people of Papua Selatan and their new military command. By crowning Mayjen Lucky Avianto with the Pacin, the Asmat people reminded him—and the nation—that leadership here is about guardianship, respect, and community.
For the people of Papua Selatan, Kodam XXIV/Mandala Trikora represents hope: hope for safer lives, better roads, stronger schools, and fairer opportunities. The road ahead will not be easy, but with the spirit of Sobat Masyarakat, the partnership between state and society could mark the beginning of a brighter, more secure, and more prosperous chapter in the history of South Papua.
