Keerom, Papua — In the silence of Baburia Village, Keerom Regency, Papua, there is one figure who tirelessly ignites the light of hope for the future of children and residents. He is Bripka Batias Yikwa, a member of the Keerom Police who devotes himself not only as a law enforcer, but also as a community servant and a driver of change.
Serving as Banit 3 Satreskrim as well as Bhabinkamtibmas in his area, Bripka Batias not only carries out administrative duties or routine patrols. He is present as a figure who brings energy and big dreams to awaken the quality of life of the Papuan people, especially in the village where he grew up.
“I really aspire to be a police officer since I was a child,” he said.
“Both of my biological parents passed away when I was in 6th grade of elementary school. I was then raised by my adoptive parents, AKP Andi Amrin, who worked at the Maluku Regional Police. From him I learned the meaning of serving the community with heart.”
That spirit is firmly embedded in Batias. He understands that being a police officer in Papua is not only maintaining security, but also touching the heart and fighting for the basic rights of the people, including education.
One of the extraordinary efforts made by Bripka Batias was to establish a village library in Baburia. He believes that by opening access to books and literacy, Papuan children can have a brighter future.
But the struggle is not easy. In November last year, the simple library that he built with hope and enthusiasm burned down. The incident had broken the spirit of the residents, especially children who started to like reading.
Instead of giving up, Bripka Batias instead got up with a stronger spirit.
“I believe, Papuan children should have a place to dream. Libraries can burn, but our spirit is not. We will wake up again, better than before,” he said with full determination.
In addition to building literacy, Bripka Batias also actively provides education to residents about the importance of health, environmental safety, and microeconomic development. He often visits residents’ houses, giving motivation to school children, to help the community take care of population administration and other social needs.
In the eyes of the residents of Baburia Village, Batias is not just a policeman. He is a child, friend, teacher, as well as a protector. A figure who is not only present when there is a problem, but is always there to listen and help.
The life story of Bripka Batias Yikwa is an inspiration about toughness, sincerity, and unlimited service. He proved that true devotion is born not from a comfortable place, but from the determination to make others feel more empowered and appreciated.
In the midst of many challenges and limitations, Bripka Batias continues to move, bringing a lantern of knowledge and hope to Papuan children. He doesn’t wait for changes from the outside. He brings the change itself, with simple but meaningful steps.
