Indonesian Peacekeepers Build Award-Winning Sewage Treatment System in Central Africa
Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Indonesian Defense Forces’ engineering company task force (Kizi) Garuda contingent (Konga) XXXVII-J Minusca built a sewage treatment system in Central Africa. Major General Taufik Budi Santoso, the Commander of the TNI Peacekeeping Mission Center, shared this information at a press conference.
The Konga XXXVII-J Minusca task force included 240 soldiers who served in Central Africa from 2023 to November 2024. They are now being replaced by the TNI Kizi task force Konga XXXVII-K Minusca.
Santoso noted that the Kizi task force received the best environmental award due to their initiative in developing necessary infrastructure, even though it was not part of their original duties. This initiative led to a higher evaluation from the UN, recognizing their efforts as beyond the expectations of their mission.
What specific environmental initiatives did the Konga XXXVII-J Minusca task force implement during their mission in Central Africa?
Interview with Major General Taufik Budi Santoso: Achievements of the Konga XXXVII-J Minusca Task Force in Central Africa
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us, Major General Santoso. Can you elaborate on the contributions made by the Konga XXXVII-J Minusca task force during their mission in Central Africa?
Major General Santoso: Certainly. The Konga XXXVII-J Minusca task force comprised 240 dedicated soldiers who were deployed from 2023 until November 2024. One of the most notable accomplishments was the establishment of a sewage treatment system, which was crucial for enhancing the living conditions in the region, as it addressed significant environmental challenges.
Interviewer: That sounds impressive! What led to the decision to embark on constructing the sewage treatment system, given that it wasn’t part of their original mission scope?
Major General Santoso: The initiative stemmed from our troopers’ commitment to not only fulfill their primary duties but also to contribute positively to the local community and environment. Upon assessing the pressing needs for improved sanitation in the areas where we operated, they took it upon themselves to develop the necessary infrastructure. This proactive approach significantly elevated our mission’s evaluation by the United Nations.
Interviewer: The task force received several accolades, including the best environmental award. Can you tell us about that recognition and other awards received?
Major General Santoso: Yes, the recognition we received was both humbling and a testament to our soldiers’ hard work. The Kizi task force was honored with the best environmental award for their innovative initiatives in pursuing environmental compliance and water conservation techniques. They also received the UN Medal, a charter from the UN, and were awarded the Central African Republic Medal for their contributions. Additionally, recognition came from the Central African Ministry of Defense and directly from the President of the Central African Republic.
Interviewer: How did the team manage to excel in compliance and preventive actions regarding environmental issues?
Major General Santoso: Their success was largely due to the expertise and dedication of Lieutenant Colonel Czi. Ibnu Muntaha and his team. They implemented practices that not only fulfilled our operational requirements but also adhered to sustainable environmental standards. This included corrective and preventive actions that ensured our activities did not have adverse effects on the local ecosystem.
Interviewer: Apart from international recognition, were there any honors from the Indonesian government for the task force’s service?
Major General Santoso: Absolutely. The Konga XXXVII-J Minusca task force was awarded the Satyalancana Santi Dharma service medal, which is a prestigious honour presented to TNI soldiers upon the successful completion of missions abroad. This is a significant acknowledgment of their commitment and performance during the deployment.
Interviewer: As the Konga XXXVII-K Minusca task force prepares to take over, what legacy do you hope they will carry forward from the Konga XXXVII-J task force?
Major General Santoso: The Konga XXXVII-J task force has set a tremendous standard of excellence in peacekeeping operations, combined with environmental consciousness. I hope the Konga XXXVII-K will not only continue to uphold these values but also build upon this legacy by further enhancing the infrastructure and welfare of the local community. Our mission is ongoing, and the work our forces have completed is a model of what can be achieved through dedication, innovation, and a commitment to peace.
Interviewer: Thank you, Major General Santoso, for sharing this insightful overview of the Konga XXXVII-J Minusca task force’s accomplishments. It’s inspiring to see such impactful work in international peacekeeping.
Major General Santoso: Thank you for having me. It’s vital to share these stories and continue the dialogue on the role of our peacekeepers in making a difference globally.
Lieutenant Colonel Czi. Ibnu Muntaha led the task force. They received several awards, including the UN Medal, a charter from the UN, and the Central African Republic Medal. They also earned recognition from the Central African Ministry of Defense and the President of Central Africa.
The task force excelled in environmental efforts, receiving awards for Environmental Compliance, Water Conservation, and Corrective and Preventive Actions. Additionally, they received the Satyalancana Santi Dharma service medal from the Indonesian government, an honor for TNI soldiers who complete missions abroad.