REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, By: Asma Nadia

At a location in East Jakarta.

The children sat quietly in the clean and cool library. In the other corner in the same room, some children play educational games online on a computer. They seemed eager to enjoy each activity. In other places still in the same complex, there was an elementary school teacher invited the students to visit these locations.

In the afternoon, students from other junior high school (SMP) came, while in a different time high school students (SMA) together with teachers were visited. Their faces were very bright, full with enthusiasm. Is this amusement park? Playground? Or museum to visit the field trip? It was not.

It may be difficult to believe, but the picture above was the atmosphere in the complex of Mechanized Infantry Battalion 201 / Jaya Yudha in Cijantung, East Jakarta.

"The army belongs to the people and I want people to feel to have it," said the commander, Letnan Colonel Infantry Bangkit Tri Widodo in front of the photographers who were invited to photograph the atmosphere of battalion member’s rehearsal. The commander of the battalion complex was open access to the public.

Elementary age children were welcome to ride the panzer (joy ride), riding a military jeep. A moment that was difficult to obtain except in the military area. The experience could encourage interests of children, as well as increasing their love for the Indonesian National Army (TNI). With this openness, the commander wanted people really feel has TNI.

Especially in the Mechanized Infantry Battalion 201/Jaya Yudha almost all equipment was domestic production, ranging from guns, jeeps, to panzer Anoa. All of them made by Pindad. So, it was increasing the pride of Indonesian children.

"The interesting part of this program, there is no additional cost," he added.

"Panzer must be heated every day for two hours, as well as other military vehicles. Now, instead of just going around when heated it, if people could ride it will give the added value."

The ADDED-VALUE. That phrase which I underlined. There were many people have forgotten that.

Added-value did not require additional budget, but it have an amazing influence. It did not need advertising costs, did not need to propaganda. By opening up, the military became closer to the people. The good news, what did by this mechanical battalion will begin emulated by another battalion. So, imagine how the proximity of the public and the military will be strong interwoven.

Not only that. There was another added value. Eco-friendly atmosphere was also seen around this battalion. The rubbish in the complex sorted and recycled as much as possible.

Empty lands began to be used for productive crops. Terraces soil and plastic mulch could be seen in the empty areas. It clearly seen that there were reforestation. By 11 hectares of land in Mayonif Mechanical 201/Jaya Yudha were prepared for eco-farming activities.

The sizeable and strategically mosque was also showed the strength of our army was not only built for physical strength but also the strength of the heart and conscience. TNI Commander even gave permission to female soldiers who wanted to wear the hijab. A move that was very worthy to be appreciated. Alhamdulillah, our army is far more open and caring since the reformation.

Their presence gave comfort to the surrounding community. Kopassus (Army’s special forces) in Cijantung showed how the river could be cleaned. Throughout the Kopassus complex, there were clean flowing river without contained many impurities. They proved to the people, if the people around care, the river actually could be cleaned so that could be perceived again the benefits, besides it was pleasant to see.

It was different with Cilodong area. Dozens members of Army Strategic Reserves (Kostrad) were build and renovate buildings of elementary school. For members of Zeni Corp (engineering), the capability of building was something that really should they have and practice. Renovating and building schools, in addition to part of the exercises also provided the added value. The army will be closer to the people.

Even now, it was the people whom ask the military to enter the ranks of Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK)’s leadership. Other evidence that the TNI has now become an institution that was very close to the people. Some foreign ships which were violating Indonesian territory has now blown up or sunk. If Navy ship made an intruder who had been evacuated as a shooting target, it also gave more value. Enforcing sovereignty, punishing intruders, while practicing to shoot targets.

The Indonesian National Army (TNI) now has more value in the hearts of the people of Indonesia. Hopefully in the future the government also gave more to the welfare budget and of course the completeness of weaponry. So, that our TNI soldiers become increasingly respected by foreign nation and beloved by its own nation.

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