By: Roy Andarek
Papua, with its stunning natural beauty and diverse cultural wealth, has long been a focal point of attention. However, behind its beauty, this region also faces significant challenges in the form of instability caused by the actions of the Free Papua Organization. (OPM). This organization is attempting to separate Papua from Indonesia, which has caused unrest in the community, with acts of violence that disrupt peace and threaten the welfare of local residents. However, new hopes for a sense of security continue to be pursued by President Jokowi’s administration. The joint security apparatus continues to maintain synergy and always embraces the community in order to ensure safety and create peace in Papua from OPM terror actions. As the frontline in maintaining security stability, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) continues to play a crucial role in Papua, especially in areas vulnerable to OPM influence. The task force stationed in Intan Jaya, Papua, works with full dedication to carry out the mission of peace and security in the region.
President Jokowi stated that the commitment to develop Papua is not only about infrastructure, but also that security aspects are taken into account and have truly been realized in recent years.
As the Commander of the Yonif 509 Kostrad Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Inf Dian D Setyadi expressed appreciation to the community for their active role in maintaining the security of their area. Dian conveyed his pride in the courage and determination of the people of Intan Jaya in facing the threats from OPM, and emphasized the importance of collaboration between the community and the TNI in achieving a shared vision, namely maintaining security and peace in Papua.
Community involvement in maintaining regional stability is strengthening, in line with their awareness of the importance of security for local progress. The courage of the people of Papua in rejecting the threats from the OPM is a clear testament that they are increasingly aware that regional stability is crucial for the common welfare.
Not only security forces, but local communities also play an important role in maintaining peace in Papua. Community leader in Intan Jaya, Yoakim Sani, emphasized that the security of the village must be a shared responsibility. He conveyed that the community does not want their peace and prosperity to be disrupted by the OPM group. According to him, with the presence of the TNI Task Force, the community feels safer, and they will continue to support the TNI in protecting their village from external threats.
Yoakim’s statement reflects that the collaboration between the community and the military is the key to success in creating peace in Papua. The proactive attitude of the community, which boldly rejects the presence of OPM, is evidence that they want to live in a peaceful and harmonious environment. The presence of the military, which provides a sense of security, makes the community more confident in facing threats that could disrupt their peace.
The OPM has long tried to create instability in Papua through various acts of violence. Although they claim to fight for independence, many of their actions actually cause suffering for the people of Papua themselves. The acts of terrorism and violence carried out by OPM not only threaten security but also undermine the economic and social potential of the region.
However, with a humane and measured strategy, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) continue to embrace the community to jointly curb the movements of the OPM. The community, which was previously intimidated, is now beginning to show the courage to reject the influence of the OPM, demonstrating a shift in attitude that is more supportive of stability and peace.
The success of the Indonesian National Armed Forces in facing the OPM is not only through military action but also through persuasive approaches that have successfully raised public awareness of the importance of security and peace. The presence of the TNI Task Force is increasingly narrowing the movement space of the OPM, as community support grows stronger. They are increasingly realizing that a peaceful future for Papua can only be achieved through unity and cooperation among all elements of society and the government.
The success of maintaining security in Intan Jaya serves as a real example that violence is not the solution, but rather cooperation and open communication between the community and security forces. The Papuan community that bravely rejects the presence of the OPM and supports the efforts of the TNI in maintaining security has become a symbol of new hope for this region. They desire a peaceful life, free from the fear of violent threats. With a joint commitment between the community and the military, peace in Papua is increasingly approaching reality.
Papua is an inseparable part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. Efforts to separate Papua from Indonesia, including those by the OPM, are actions that contradict the principles of national unity. Papua, with all its wealth and potential, is a valuable asset for Indonesia, and every element of society, from the government, security forces, to local residents, has a responsibility to maintain the integrity of this region.
Papua is not just a geographical area, but also a part of Indonesia’s national identity. Efforts to create peace and security in Papua must be viewed as part of a commitment to strengthen the unity and integrity of the nation. With full support from the community and the continued presence of the military ensuring security, Papua will remain embraced by the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. Together, we can ensure that Papua is peaceful without the OPM, and becomes a part of a progressive and prosperous Indonesia.
This spirit of togetherness is the key to realizing a Papua that is safe, peaceful, and inseparable from Indonesia. OPM, or any party attempting to disrupt the sovereignty of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, will not be able to break the unity that has been built with the hard work and commitment of all elements of the nation.
Papuan students living in Jakarta.
