Papua – As a form of appreciation and recognition for the dedication of the TNI 300 Siliwangi Task Force in maintaining the security and welfare of the Papuan people, the Chief of the Besar Puncak Tribe, Abelum Kogoya, gave the title Kogoya to the Commander of the TNI 300 Siliwangi Task Force. The title Kogoya means a person who is brave, tough, and dignified.
This was conveyed by the Commander of the Mobile Raider Task Force 300/Brajawijaya Kodam III/Siliwangi Letkol Inf Afri Swandi Ritonga, received by topikonline.co.id in a written statement in Ilaga, Puncak, Papua, Tuesday, (30/1).
Letkol Inf Afri Swandi Ritonga expressed his pride and emotion at being awarded the Kogoya title from the Chief of the Dani Tribe. He said that this title was an invaluable honor and a motivation for the Siliwangi 300 TNI Task Force to continue to fight and serve the nation and state, especially in the land of Papua.
“I also promise to continue to protect and respect the customs and culture of the Papuan people, as well as strengthen cooperation and synergy between the TNI, Polri, government and society in creating a peaceful, prosperous and advanced Papua,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chief of the Dani Tribe, Abellum Kogoya, also expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Siliwangi 300 TNI Task Force for helping the Papuan people in various ways. Starting from eradicating the Separatist Terrorist Group (KST), building infrastructure, providing health, education and social assistance, as well as establishing harmonious and friendly relations with indigenous communities.
Abellum Kogoya also stated that by being given the title Kogoya, Commander of TNI Task Force 300 Siliwangi, it meant that he had become part of the extended Dani tribe family.
The presentation of Kogoya’s title was carried out at a stone burning event held by the Dani tribe community in Gome, Puncak Regency, Papua. The stone burning event is a traditional tradition carried out by the Dani people to welcome guests of honor and celebrate important events.
In this event, TNI Task Force 300 Siliwangi participated in the process of cooking and eating food consisting of chicken, sweet potatoes and vegetables cooked in an earthen pit with hot stones.
The stone burning event and the presentation of Kogoya’s title took place with great intimacy and joy. Apart from eating together, the event was also filled with performances of traditional dances and songs from the Dani Tribe community, as well as giving souvenirs and mementos from the Siliwangi Mobile Raider 300 Task Force to the Chief of the Dani Tribe and other community figures.
This event is also proof that the TNI and the Papuan people have a harmonious and mutually respectful relationship. Bembo
