Intan Jaya, IDNtribune – Christmas Day gets closer. In order to establish and strengthen harmony between all religious communities, personnel from the 330 Task Force invites residents to come together to decorate Christmas trees and houses in front of the Preparatory Military Command Post (Koper) in the Sugapa District, Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua Provinve on Sunday (17/12/23).

Infantery First Lieutenant Arditto Akbar, Commander of the Koper Post said that making Christmas trees and houses before Christmas celebrations has become a tradition here for Papuans, not only are they built on the side of the road, in front of houses or in front of government and private offices, they are often also found at both the army and the police force posts.

“The Task Force also decorated the Christmas tree and house as a symbol of the birth of the Jesus Christ in the Bethlehem thousands of years ago,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Sargeant Hendrikus Enda, the Koper Post Architect, explained that during this event, the soldiers were assisted by residents around the post. Apart from strengthening togetherness and kinship, this activity also aims to channel the creativity of local residents ahead of the Christmas celebrations.

“By combining simple materials with colorful light, a beautiful Christmas trees is created, alongside with decorated houses,” he said.

“In a separate place, Task Force Commander, Infantery Major Dedy Pungky Irawanto, S.I.P., M.I.Pol explained that the collaboration between soldiers and citizens in this event was a form of tolerance and harmony in living in a diverse communities,” he stressed.