Puncak, Central Papua — The morning activity at Sinak Market in Gigobak Village on Saturday (March 28) unfolded as usual. Papuan mothers sat on simple mats, selling vegetables, betel nuts, and garden produce that support their daily livelihoods.
Amid the routine, several personnel from the Cartenz Peace Operation 2026 were seen and blending in with the community. Their presence was informal—they stopped by stalls, bought groceries, greeted residents, and engaged in light conversations with local vendors.
One vegetable seller shared that the atmosphere felt different from what she had experienced before. “They came to buy vegetables and even had a short conversation. It’s the first time it’s been like this,” she said, while continuing to serve her customers.
In one corner of the market, children watched from a distance. When the personnel began handing out snacks, some children slowly approached out of curiosity, while others stayed close to their parents—reflecting a sense of safety that is beginning to grow, though not yet fully established.
Such simple activities reflect the approach taken by the Cartenz Peace Operation in engaging with local communities. It is not only about maintaining security, but also about being present in the daily lives of residents, within spaces that serve as the heart of social interaction.
Head of Cartenz Peace Operation 2026, Inspector General of Police Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., emphasized that direct interaction with the community is a crucial step in building closer relationships.
“We want our presence to be felt not only as security personnel, but also as part of the community itself. Through this approach, we hope to gradually build mutual trust,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Deputy Head of Operations, Senior Commissioner of Police Adarma Sinaga, S.I.K., M.Hum., highlighted that communication built through simple interactions plays an important role in maintaining long-term stability.
“Activities like this create space for warmer communication between personnel and the community. From these small interactions, we hope stronger trust can grow over time,” he explained.
However, the reality on the ground shows that trust cannot be built instantly. For many residents, past experiences and ongoing social dynamics mean that a genuine sense of security takes time to fully develop.
At Sinak Market, small gestures like buying vegetables and exchanging greetings may seem simple. Yet for the community, they can serve as a careful and gradual beginning toward a more open relationship between residents and security forces in Papua.
