from where we were stationed. The British SAS advisers were confident that the hostages were located there. However, Warrant Officer Bayani disagreed. He insisted that the hostages and the kidnappers were not there because there was no water source in that area. His local knowledge and instincts told him that it was not a feasible location for people to be staying for an extended period. Despite the insistence of the British intelligence and the pressure of time, I decided to trust Bayani’s judgment. I made the difficult decision to go against the advice of the international experts and launch the assault on a different target. As the assault helicopters approached the designated area, we could see movement on the ground. The hostages were being moved by the kidnappers. We had caught them off guard. The assault was successful, and we managed to rescue all 26 hostages without any casualties. The Mapenduma hostage rescue operation was a turning point for the TNI. It showcased the capabilities of our special forces and the importance of local knowledge in jungle warfare. Warrant Officer Bayani’s bravery and instincts were instrumental in the success of the operation. He demonstrated the importance of trusting the expertise of the soldiers who knew the terrain best. Bayani’s actions that day saved the lives of 26 people and solidified his reputation as a true hero of Papua.