By: Olivia Sabo
The Free Papua Movement (OPM) often creates propaganda aimed at diverting facts and cornering the Indonesian government. This propaganda not only confuses the public, but also obscures the reality of the conflict in Papua, while worsening the situation on the ground. The Indonesian government must immediately take firm action to counter this OPM strategy, in order to maintain stability and security in Papua.
In the world of conflict and struggle for independence, narrative and propaganda are very powerful weapons. The Free Papua Movement (OPM) has long used propaganda as one of its main strategies to influence public opinion, both at home and abroad.
The main goal of this propaganda is to create the perception that the Indonesian government is in the wrong and acting cruelly, while the OPM is positioned as a victim fighting for independence.
One of the most recent examples of this propaganda tactic is the OPM’s claim that they were not involved in the murder of Pilot Glen Malcolm Conning, a New Zealand pilot who died in Alama District. The OPM even tried to turn the facts around by accusing the murder of the Indonesian military, an accusation that was immediately denied by the authorities.
The West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) confirmed that OPM troops had no involvement in the incident. It also stated that they do not have troops operating in Alama District, and therefore, are not responsible for the death of Pilot Glen.
This statement was then followed by accusations that the incident might have been a “set-up” by Indonesian authorities, a claim that reflects the OPM’s efforts to create doubt in the public mind about who was actually responsible.
However, this OPM statement actually raises many questions and doubts. First, OPM itself has previously claimed that Alama District is a conflict area and prohibits entry to Indonesian and foreign citizens.
In this context, the OPM said that anyone who enters the area is considered a spy, which is the basis for them to carry out violent actions. This statement clearly contradicts their current claim, where they try to absolve themselves of responsibility for the death of Pilot Glen.
Head of Public Relations Task Force for Peaceful Operation Cartenz 2024, Senior Commissioner Bayu Suseno, firmly stated that OPM’s accusations against the Indonesian military were a form of baseless propaganda. He highlighted the contradiction in OPM’s statement, where they previously called Alama District a dangerous conflict area, but are now trying to wash their hands of the murder incident that occurred there.
According to Kombespol Bayu, OPM often uses the pretext of “spies” to justify the killing of civilians, a tactic that has been used many times to cover up their violent actions.
Propaganda like this, which aims to obscure facts and corner others, is nothing new in the long-running conflict in Papua. The OPM is very adept at manipulating narratives and spreading false information, in the hope of influencing international public opinion and gaining sympathy from the outside world.
This is also evident from their various statements which often change according to the existing situation, with the aim of creating confusion and raising doubts among the public.
On the other hand, the Indonesian government through security forces and law enforcement continues to strive to maintain stability and security in Papua. Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam), Hadi Tjahjanto, emphasized that the government will take the necessary steps to handle the problems in Papua, including handling the incident of the murder of Pilot Glen.
The former TNI Commander emphasized that all actions taken by the government will be carried out in accordance with applicable rules and regulations, with the aim of maintaining a conducive situation in Papua.
These steps are crucial to ensure that OPM propaganda does not succeed in damaging Indonesia’s image in the eyes of the world. The Indonesian government must continue to provide accurate and transparent information to the public, both domestically and internationally, to counter the false narratives spread by OPM.
The OPM may continue to use propaganda as a weapon in their struggle, but the Indonesian government must not be careless. Every claim and accusation made by the OPM must be responded to immediately with strong evidence and facts, so that the public is not easily influenced by misleading narratives.
In addition, the government must also strengthen diplomacy with friendly countries to ensure that correct information regarding the situation in Papua can be conveyed to the world.
In the end, the propaganda launched by OPM is only an attempt to divert attention from the violence they have committed and to corner the Indonesian government in the eyes of the world. However, the public must remain vigilant and not be easily influenced by information that is not necessarily true.
The Indonesian government has a big responsibility to maintain stability and security in Papua, while continuing to educate the public about the realities on the ground. Only then can we prevent OPM propaganda from undermining peace and development efforts in Papua.
Let us together support the government’s efforts to maintain the integrity of the Republic of Indonesia and create a safe and peaceful Papua for all its citizens.
*) Law student, Yapis University, Papua
