ILAGA, Highland Papua– The atmosphere at Kago Inpres Elementary School in Ilaga District, Puncak Regency, became more relaxed as personnel from the Peaceful Cartenz Operation Police Task Force, together with the Psychological Support Team, interacted directly with students on Friday (September 4, 2026).
The activity, led by Deputy Head of the Peaceful Cartenz Operation Logistics Task Force, First Inspector Ferdinan Alfa Pikey, S.Tr.K., S.I.K., featured psychological support through play therapy, as well as the distribution of school bags and stationery to students.
Upon arriving at the school, the personnel did not immediately begin with a formal activity. Instead, they first interacted with the children, engaged them in conversation, and joined them in various games. The children then participated in play therapy facilitated by the Psychological Support Team.
During the session, the children were actively involved in games together with the personnel and the psychological team. The activities were conducted in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, allowing the children to participate without pressure. The personnel joined the students directly, taking part in their activities, communicating with them, and responding throughout the session.
For the psychological team, play activities provided an opportunity to interact more closely with the children while offering support in a natural setting. For the students, the activity created an opportunity to play and communicate with the personnel at school in an atmosphere different from their regular classroom activities.
The interaction took place naturally. Some children participated in group games, while others interacted directly with personnel around them. The personnel followed the children’s activities while engaging them in simple conversations, making the session feel less like a formal educational activity.
After the play therapy session ended, the personnel distributed school bags and stationery to the students. The school supplies were provided to support their educational needs and help them participate in school activities.
Head of the Peaceful Cartenz Operation, Police Inspector General Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., said activities involving children should take into account their psychological and educational needs.
“Children need a safe and comfortable space to learn, play, and interact. Therefore, play therapy is one way to build communication with them while providing them with an opportunity to express themselves,” said the Head of the Peaceful Cartenz Operation.
He also instructed personnel conducting community activities to adjust their approach according to conditions on the ground.
“When interacting with children, we should not view activities solely from a formal perspective. Give them space to play, talk, and interact. In this way, we can better understand them while ensuring that the activities we conduct truly provide benefits,” he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Head of the Peaceful Cartenz Operation, Police Commissioner Adarma Sinaga, S.I.K., M.Hum., said play therapy provided personnel and the psychological team with an opportunity to interact with children through activities that were closer to their everyday experiences.
“Play therapy allows interaction with children to take place more naturally. They can play, communicate, and participate in activities with personnel in a comfortable atmosphere. The psychological team then provides support throughout the activity according to the children’s conditions,” said the Deputy Head of the Peaceful Cartenz Operation.
He added that the activity also provided personnel with an opportunity to directly observe the children’s condition in their school environment.
“In addition to providing school supplies, we want the time spent with the children to be meaningful. When personnel join them in playing and interacting, the children have a space where they can feel comfortable and more open during the activity,” he added.
Head of Kago Inpres Elementary School, Kindenius Wonda, S.Th., expressed his gratitude for the visit and attention given to the school and its students.
“As the Head of Kago Inpres Elementary School, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Peaceful Cartenz Operation Police Task Force for coming to our school and bringing encouragement and attention to us. The children were very happy, and we felt that we were cared for,” Kindenius said.
He said the students enjoyed the opportunity to play and interact with the personnel.
“The children were very happy because they could play and interact with the police officers. The school supplies provided are also very helpful for the children in their learning activities,” he said.
Kindenius also offered his prayers for the protection and safety of all personnel carrying out their duties in Papua.
“We pray that God will always bless you in carrying out your duties and responsibilities as servants of the state. May God watch over and protect you so that all your duties can be carried out safely and successfully,” he said.
Through the activity, the Peaceful Cartenz Operation Police Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to continuing to promote a humane and persuasive approach that directly addresses the needs of local communities, particularly by creating a safe environment that supports the growth and development of children in Papua.
