By: Recky Rumbiak )*
Acts of violence, terror, death threats and intimidation of the Papuan people which continue to be carried out by the Free Papua Organization (OPM) are still central issues related to security conditions in Papua. This separatist group has long claimed Papuan independence. They are often involved in acts of violence and terror against civilians and security forces. However, in recent years, the Indonesian government’s efforts to overcome this separatist movement have shown significant progress. The government continues to take various approaches in building conduciveness in Papua. So that the public’s attitude towards rejecting the existence of OPM will definitely be built up.
One of the key factors in this success was the existence of the 133/Yudha Sakti Infantry Battalion Task Force Team led by Lt. Col. Inf Andhika Ganessakti, which is known to have succeeded in dismantling the OPM structure. With careful military strategy and increasing public support, the 133/Yudha Sakti Infantry Battalion troops succeeded in pushing the OPM even further.
Yudha Sakti troops succeeded in infiltrating the area after they took control of one of the OPM headquarters in Sorong Raya, Papua. In this operation, Lieutenant Colonel Inf Andhika Ganessakti demonstrated extraordinary leadership abilities, leading his troops firmly and heroically, and ensuring that every step was taken carefully to minimize civilian casualties.
During the ambush, Yudha Sakti troops managed to secure 29 OPM sympathizers. It is reported that the OPM headquarters is in Aitrem Village, East Aifat-Maybrat District. During this operation, Lt. Col. Inf Andhika Ganessakti’s men managed to find important documents inside the OPM headquarters. The document contains the entire organizational structure of the OPM in the Greater Sorong area, which is Yudha Sakti’s area of duty.
Success is of course also supported by close collaboration with the local community. Community support is an important element in this military operation. They are aware that stability and security can only be achieved if OPM is successfully paralyzed. The community’s courage in providing information is a big advantage for the Yudha Sakti Troops to carry out operations more efficiently and on target.
Not only that, the government also continues to take a welfare approach to win the hearts of the Papuan people. Infrastructure development, improving health services and education are top priorities to demonstrate the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life of the Papuan people.
This effort not only helps improve community welfare but also reduces support for OPM. People who feel cared for and get real benefits from government programs tend to reject the existence of OPM which only causes unrest and uncertainty.
OPM is increasingly under pressure with the increasingly minimal support they receive. In a cornered situation, this group tried to carry out sporadic attacks to demonstrate their existence. However, these attacks are often poorly coordinated and expose their weaknesses. Yudha Sakti troops quickly responded to every threat that emerged, ensuring that every OPM action could be immediately resolved before it caused greater damage.
On several occasions, Lieutenant Colonel Inf Andhika Ganessakti emphasized that the success of the Yudha Sakti Troop was not the result of individual hard work alone, but rather the result of cooperation and synergy between all parties involved. He always reminded the importance of maintaining good relations with the community and respecting their rights. This attitude makes the Yudha Sakti Troops not only respected as a formidable military force but also as protectors of the people who truly care about their welfare.
On the other hand, OPM is increasingly losing legitimacy in the eyes of the Papuan people. Their claims as freedom fighters became increasingly irrelevant when people saw real improvements in their lives thanks to government programs. The success of the Yudha Sakti Troops in crushing the OPM also strengthens the community’s belief that security and peace can be achieved without the need for separatist movements that destroy the social order. People are starting to see OPM not as heroes but as bullies who are hampering the development and progress of their region.
However, the road to peace and stability in Papua is still long and full of challenges. Many things need to be done to ensure that all Papuan people feel the benefits of development and feel part of a complete Indonesia. With the success of the Yudha Sakti Troop under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Inf Andhika Ganessakti, it certainly gives new hope that with good cooperation between the military and society, as well as with the government’s commitment to improving welfare, Papua can move towards a more peaceful and prosperous future.
The role of the Yudha Sakti Troop led by Lieutenant Colonel Inf Andhika Ganessakti in suppressing the OPM is a clear example of how the right approach can bring positive change. Strong leadership, careful military strategy and solid community support are the keys to success in facing the challenge of separatism in Papua. Hopefully this success can be an inspiration for handling similar conflicts in various other regions in Indonesia, towards a safer, more peaceful and more prosperous Indonesia.
)* The writer is the Editor of Berjaya Papua Youth Media
