TNI Secures Ritual For 2 Tribes Facing Hunting Seasons At The RI-Papua New Guinea Border

Soldiers Battalion 122/TL help secure traditional processions ahead of the hunting season held by residents of Banda village, Waris District, Keerom Regency, Papua (ANTARA/HO/Pemdam XVII Cenderawasih)

The welcoming ritual procession called Dewa dance was held by the Walsa Tribe and the Fermanggem Tribe which are on the border of the Republic of Indonesia (RI)-Papua New Guinea, secured by TNI personnel.

The activity, which was secured by members of the TNI from the Battalion 122/T Task Force, was carried out once a year, usually carried out before the hunting season.

"It is true from the residents' narrative that the traditional dance procession was only carried out ahead of the hunting season for the people of Kampung Banda," said Danpos Waris Lt. Inf. Hasan Basr at the location of the two tribes in residence, Banda Village, Waris District, Keerom Regency, Papua, Monday 11 December, confiscated by Antara.

In addition, these dances are believed to be able to provide healing and a positive impact on residents.

"This activity is a tradition that must be preserved because it becomes one of the local wisdom for local communities that cannot be separated as well as a hereditary legacy from the ancestors," Hasan said.

According to him, the activity took place wisely, attended by around 500 people from the surrounding village.

The Coordinator of the Dewa Waris Jakobus May Indigenous Event (52) expressed his respect and gratitude to the Battalion 122/TS Task Force for their concern and participation in attending and the success of traditional events in Banda Village, Waris District.

"Praise God, I am very helped and very happy for the concern of the Yonif 122/TS Task Force in helping and attending the Kampung Banda traditional event, Waris District, Kerom Regency.