By : Gilang Mahardika )*
Paniai, a district in Papua Province, has recently been in the spotlight after several local community figures firmly criticized the actions of the Free Papua Organization (OPM). These figures believe that the acts of violence carried out by the OPM not only harm local communities, but also hinder development and peace in the Papua region.
Paniai Community Youth Leader, Thomas Tebai, said that OPM often carried out atrocities in the Paniai area, causing the security situation to be disturbed. Thomas strongly condemns the OPM’s actions in Paniai and hopes that the security forces will immediately take firm action against the separatist group so that the situation in this area remains safe, peaceful and conducive.
OPM also often carries out acts of violence that have a negative impact on the civilian population. These actions include attacks on public facilities, killings of civilians and security forces, as well as intimidation of people who do not support their cruel actions.
One of the community leaders in Paniai, Johannes Youwe, stated that the acts of violence carried out by the OPM were very detrimental to the Papuan people themselves. The Papuan people suffered the most from this brutal act. Violence never solves problems, it only increases suffering and fear among society.
The OPM’s violent actions have caused many losses, both material and immaterial. Many residents lost their homes due to burning of houses and public facilities. Apart from that, economic and educational activities were also disrupted. Children cannot go to school safely, and farmers cannot work in their fields without fear.
Community leaders in Papua, especially in Paniai, have an important role in efforts to create peace and order. They try to be a bridge between the government and society, and encourage dialogue to find peaceful solutions to the conflicts that occur.
One of the efforts made is to invite the public not to be provoked by acts of violence and to continue to support the development process being carried out by the government. Religious figures such as Pastor Markus also play a role in spreading the message of peace through sermons and religious activities.
Head of the Cartenz 2024 Peace Ops Public Relations Task Force, AKBP Bayu Suseno, said that his party would continue to enforce the law against the OPM who continued to disturb the Community Security and Order in the Papua Regional Police’s jurisdiction. Measurable law enforcement is being carried out by the Cartenz 2024 Peace Task Force against OPM as an effort by the National Police to maintain security in the land of Papua.
Since the last few years, the Indonesian government has made various efforts to improve the welfare of the Papuan people through infrastructure development, education and health. New roads, schools and hospitals were built to ensure that Papuans have better access to basic services.
However, efforts to develop a more advanced Papua are often disrupted by acts of violence carried out by separatist groups such as the OPM. Therefore, it is important for all parties to work together to create a safe and conducive environment for development.
The condemnation from community leaders in Paniai of OPM’s violent actions is a reflection of the strong desire of the Papuan people to live in peace and prosperity. Acts of violence only bring suffering and hinder the development that society so desperately needs.
Cooperation between the government, security forces and the community is very important to create peace in Papua. With dialogue and a humanist approach, it is hoped that the conflicts that occur can be resolved peacefully, so that Papua can continue to develop and make a positive contribution to Indonesia.
The government has also launched various programs to empower the Papuan people and improve the local economy. However, the positive impact of these programs is often not felt optimally by the community due to insecurity caused by armed conflict caused by OPM.
The Papuan people have great hopes for a better future, where they can live in peace and prosperity. They yearn for conditions where their children can grow and learn without fear, and where they can work and live in peace. Community leaders continue to struggle to create these conditions by inviting all parties to abandon violence and seek peaceful solutions.
Community leaders in Paniai and throughout Papua hope that all parties can abandon violence and work together for a better future so that in the future Papua will be a peaceful region, where all children can play and learn freely, without fear. . The hope is that all parties can respect this desire and work together to achieve it.
)* The author is a student living in Semarang.
