Intan Jaya, IDNtribune – In celebrating Christmas and welcoming the New Year, the 330 Task Force and the local people of Bazemba Village held a traditional stone burning ceremony, which took place in the church yard of Bazemba Village of the Intan Jaya regency in Central Papua Province on Saturday (30/12/23).

Vice Task Force Commander, Infantery Major Riska Imron Rosadi, who was present at the ceremony, explained that the tradition of burning stones is a symbol of brotherhood and a form of gratitude for the Papuan people.

“The stone burning ceremony may help strengthen the unity of the Indonesian Armed forces and the people. Hundreds of residents and soldiers gathered and worked together to make this ritual happen,” he said.

“Praise God, we are all happy because the Task Force was able to fulfill our invitation to attend today’s stone burning event. “Thank you as well for the food assistance. Amakanie,” said Piter Sondegau, one of the youth leaders of Bazemba Village.

On this occasion, the vice commander also invited and appealed to residents to continue to work together to maintain security conduciveness in the Intan Jaya area.

“Life in safety and peace is a gift for all of us. For that, let’s protect it together,” he concluded