HARIANEXPRESS, KAIMANA – The Indonesian Army (TNI AD) has successfully concluded its “Manunggal Air” program in Krooy Village, Kaimana District, West Papua, officially ending a severe clean water crisis that had affected residents for decades. This crucial infrastructure project, completed on August 1, 2026, was driven by a direct mandate from President Prabowo Subianto, ensuring vital access to clean water and significantly improving the quality of life for the remote community.
For the people of Krooy Village, access to clean water in Indonesia’s outermost regions is more than just a sanitation issue; it represents a strategic pillar of national resilience and a manifestation of social sovereignty. Through the synergy of strategic national leadership instructions and the unwavering dedication of soldiers on the ground, TNI AD has delivered a tangible solution, proving the state’s presence even in the most challenging terrains.
Presidential Mandate Drives Development
The success of this social infrastructure project is not coincidental but a direct result of the specific attention and direct instructions from the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto. This mandate emphasizes a new paradigm of national development focused on equitable distribution to the archipelago’s deepest corners.
President Prabowo’s instructions served as a primary driving force, igniting the spirit of the soldiers. Strategically, this policy shatters the stigma that remote areas in Papua are overlooked by the central government. The state’s presence through this borehole well is concrete proof that the welfare of people on the front lines is a top priority in strengthening national integration and alleviating the generational suffering of Krooy residents.
Decades of Struggle for Water
Historically, life in Krooy Village was marked by complete reliance on rainwater and exhausting physical struggles. Residents were forced to travel long distances, climb hills, and penetrate dense forests just to obtain a few liters of water for basic needs.
The impact of these conditions was massive, both in terms of health and psychology. The local term “Setiap hari kami mati mandi” (Every day we die bathing) illustrates the immense difficulty residents faced just to clean themselves, an activity considered normal in other regions. This limited access to clean water had long been a shackles hindering productivity and triggering sanitation vulnerability, creating a seemingly endless welfare gap until the TNI AD soldiers brought change.
“Setiap hari kami mati mandi.”
Overcoming Extreme Terrain: The Soldiers’ Dedication
The realization of this borehole well demanded extraordinary physical exertion from the soldiers, including the team from Penerangan Puspenerbad and related units. Without heavy equipment, due to the extreme mountainous routes, the soldiers surpassed physical limitations using methods that defied danger.
Every inch of progress in this project was achieved through:
- Manual Mobilization: All drilling materials were disassembled and transported manually by human power through slippery and steep mountainous trails.
- Non-stop Operation: Soldiers worked day and night without interruption, battling extreme weather and fatigue to meet the set deadlines.
- Precision Drilling Techniques: Amid geological uncertainties, the team continuously strived until groundwater was found at an optimal depth.
The sweat and dedication ultimately paid off. The silence of the Papuan forest was broken by the jubilant cheers of residents as clean water first gushed out, marking the end of the drought era in Krooy.
A Source of Life at Al Hikmah Mosque
The central point of this water flow is located in the area of Masjid Al Hikmah, Krooy Village. This location was strategically chosen to strengthen the mosque’s function as a center of social and spiritual cohesion for the community. The presence of this facility provides a dual role in improving the quality of life for residents through three pillars of utilization:
- Primary Consumption: Ensuring the availability of healthy and hygienic drinking water for all households in Krooy Village.
- Sanitation and Health: Facilitating residents’ bathing and washing needs in an easily accessible location, ending the tradition of long walks to the forest.
- Worship Support: Ensuring a continuous supply of ablution water for congregants of Masjid Al Hikmah, supporting solemnity in worship.
The Voice of the People and TNI-Rakyat Unity
A poignant atmosphere enveloped the Masjid Al Hikmah area as residents officially received the facility. A local representative, with a voice trembling with emotion, expressed their gratitude.
“Kami mewakili segenap warga mengucapkan terima kasih yang sebesar-besarnya kepada Bapak Presiden Prabowo atas bantuan program sumur ini.”
The success of the Manunggal Air program in Kaimana stands as authentic proof of the concept of “Kemanunggalan TNI-Rakyat” (TNI-People’s Unity). TNI AD has once again demonstrated its identity as a professional people’s army, not only adept in military tactics but also providing concrete solutions to national problems. With clean water flowing in the heart of West Papua, TNI AD reaffirms its commitment to continuously safeguard state sovereignty through the welfare of its people across every inch of the homeland.
The provision of clean water in Indonesia’s outermost regions transcends mere sanitation issues. It stands as a strategic pillar of national resilience and a clear manifestation of social sovereignty.
This initiative underscores the nation’s unwavering presence, even in the most challenging and isolated territories. It tangibly demonstrates that the welfare of citizens in frontier areas remains a paramount priority for strengthening national integration.
For decades, the severe lack of access to clean water had burdened the residents of Krooy, hindering their daily lives and overall productivity. The arrival of this essential resource transforms their living conditions and enhances community health.
Through the ‘Manunggal Air’ program, TNI AD has effectively addressed a long-standing suffering experienced by generations in Krooy Village. This project reinforces the profound bond between the military and the populace.
The success in Kaimana reflects TNI AD’s crucial role not only in defense but also as a dedicated agent of social development. Their tireless efforts embody the spirit of ‘Kemanunggalan TNI-Rakyat’, serving the nation through direct community support.
This remarkable achievement ensures that hope continues to flow alongside the clean water for the people of West Papua. It epitomizes the ongoing commitment to uplift every corner of the country.
