Beware of OPM Provocations and Create Security Stability in Puncak Jaya
By : Theresia Ana Sawaki )*
The entire community must continue to be alert and increase their awareness of various issues and narratives that are provocative and have a propaganda tone from the Free Papua Organization (OPM). In this way, residents also help in stabilizing conduciveness in Puncak Jaya.
This provocation to the community occurred in the aftermath of the deaths of 3 OPM members after security forces from the RK 753/AVT Infantry Battalion Task Force (Satgas Yonif) some time ago, namely on Tuesday 16 July.
After the security forces succeeded in taking firm action against members of the Bumi Cenderawasih separatist gang, they became heated because 3 of their members were killed and then triggered the burning of six cars belonging to the TNI-Polri in Puncak Jaya. This action aroused public criticism because of OPM’s relentless and ruthless behavior which was detrimental to national unity and integrity.
Previously, it was known that OPM members had also damaged public facilities, namely the school which was built to educate the sons and daughters of the Land of Papua was actually damaged and burned. None of OPM’s actions are justified, they should be aware that every human being has human rights (HAM).
The provocations presented by OPM to the community made residents worried, but this could be resolved quickly by the security forces. The situation in Mulia City, Puncak Jaya Regency, Central Papua Province, as of Thursday 18 July is conducive.
Police Chief AKBP Kuswara, Dandim Lieutenant Colonel Inf Irawan Setya Kusuma, religious leaders, community leaders and other elements of society. With this mediation, peace and harmony can be created. Currently conditions in Puncak Jaya are safely under control. However, security officers also remain on guard at the location as an effort to protect local residents.
As a result of the chaos, residents had to flee to the Police and Kodim, but now they have returned to their homes. So the situation can be said to be safe, because there are no refugees.
For this reason, it is hoped that the community will not be provoked by the baseless actions of OPM members, so that everyone can embrace each other and create safe and peaceful conditions for Bumi Cendrawasih, especially in Puncak Jaya Regency, Central Papua.
Lieutenant Colonel Inf Candra Kurniawan explained the current conditions in Puncak Jaya, Central Papua Province, that the TNI-Polri security forces continue to strive to maintain regional stability by providing the best service and protection for local residents.
Not only that, Lt. Col. Candra also said that law enforcement must continue to be enforced, especially against harassment by OPM members. So that OPM members do not act to harm society. The reason is, OPM’s actions are very outrageous and excessive.
The actions of the OPM members, which were full of terror and cruelty, were also criticized by the Papuan Traditional Leader, Herman Yoku, who said that the OPM continues to provoke the community and trigger riots in the Papua region recently. Therefore, it is detrimental and disturbs the peace of residents.
Not only that, according to Herman Yoku, OPM members who have no conscience have also committed many human rights violations. How could it not be, his behavior was so outrageous that he killed civilians under the pretext of fighting for Papuan independence, even though that was just their wish, not all Papuans want this.
Furthermore, Herman Yoku believes that the OPM is deceiving people who don’t know anything to attack the Government, even though in fact native Papuans themselves love peace and don’t like conflict. It is clear that OPM’s actions do not reflect the sons and daughters of Bumi Cendrawasih.
Herman Yoku firmly appeals to all OPM members to end all cruel acts, including terror that can damage public facilities and harm local residents who are ignorant and innocent.
It’s useless for them to struggle but still kill their fellow Papuans, for what? Aren’t they all brothers? This close brotherhood should not be tarnished just because of irresponsible individuals.
The traditional figure also called for all Papuans to maintain mutual conduciveness so that the Eastern Region of Indonesia is safe and can progress. Grow together for a better Indonesia.
Ali Kabiay, a Papuan Youth Leader, strongly condemned all the brutal acts carried out by OPM members. According to him, the acts of violence carried out by the OPM had a negative impact on the people of Tanah Papua.
In fact, he fully supports the security forces in eradicating OPM so that strict action will be taken for all their cruel treatment. Ali felt that the OPM members were not part of the sons and daughters of Papua, so he gave his full support so that they would be dealt with firmly.
Security forces are also intensively giving appeals to the local community to maintain and create a conducive situation in Puncak Jaya so that the area is safely under control.
)* The author is a Papuan student living in Jakarta