By : Pras Yauw Hehanussa )*
Political actor supporting the separatist movement, Veronica Koman, continues to spread provocations that add to the long series of conflicts in Bumi Cenderawasih and wants to further prolong the hostage-taking of the Susi Air Pilot.
Through his social media, he spread a false narrative that the family of Philip Mark Mehrtens, a Susi Air pilot who was taken hostage by the Free Papua Organization (OPM), was grateful to the separatist gang for keeping Philip safe during the hostage-taking.
The narrative that Veronica spread aims to create sympathy for OPM, as if the separatist group plays the role of protector, while they are actually the main cause of chaos in the area nicknamed Little Heaven that Fell to Earth.
Apart from this misleading narrative, Veronica Koman also stated that OPM allowed Philip Mehrtens to send messages to his family during the hostage period.
The middle-aged woman tried to convince the public that the terrorist gang of the country’s enemies was showing good intentions by giving Philip the opportunity to inform that he was still in good health. In fact, the act of taking hostages is a serious crime that must be condemned, not polished with an image as if the perpetrators were showing compassion.
Veronica Koman’s provocations became more intense when she tried to strengthen the narrative that Philip’s release was purely thanks to the OPM initiative. He spread the wrong message that this group of troublemakers in Bumi Cenderawasih was the only party responsible for the release of the hostages, without recognizing the big role of the security forces who operated patiently and measuredly. This kind of narrative is very dangerous, because it can mislead public opinion and strengthen the legitimacy of separatist movements that aim to divide national unity.
Different from Veronica’s claims, what actually happened on the ground was that the role of the security forces in the operation to free Philip Mehrtens was very significant. The joint Cartenz Peace Operations Task Force team involving the TNI, Polri and BIN worked hard for months to free Philip from the grip of the separatist group.
The operation was successfully carried out without violence, proving that good cooperation between security agencies was the key to the success of the liberation. The Minister of Defense and President-elect for 2024, Prabowo Subianto, was grateful for the successful release of the pilot without any casualties. Prabowo emphasized the importance of good collaboration between all parties, including the TNI, Polri and BIN, involved in the operation.
Prabowo also underlined that this success was the result of a peaceful approach that avoided repressive measures. According to him, conflict resolution like this must continue to be pursued through dialogue and an approach that prioritizes hostage safety and stability in the area nicknamed the Golden City.
The role of the security forces in successfully resolving the hostage-taking problem without violence proves that the government has an effective strategy in dealing with separatist groups in the Papua region.
On the other hand, TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto hopes that conditions in Papua will become more conducive after Philip’s release. According to him, efforts to maintain security in the region remain a top priority, especially in facing threats from armed groups who still control parts of the region.
The TNI Commander also emphasized that as long as illegal weapons are still circulating among civilians, the threat of violence remains. Therefore, he reminded that only TNI-Polri officers have the right to hold weapons, in accordance with the laws in force in Indonesia.
General Agus Subiyanto also emphasized that even though the operation to free Philip had been successful, the TNI would not withdraw or increase troops in Papua. The presence of troops in the region is still necessary to maintain security and stability, especially ahead of the simultaneous regional elections which will be held soon.
The success of the security forces in preventing violence and maintaining stability in the region nicknamed Little Heaven in Eastern Indonesia must be continued so that Papuan separatist gangs do not find an opening to spread terror again.
Head of the TNI Information Center, Major General Hariyanto, emphasized that the presence of security forces in Papua aims to support the government in improving development and welfare of the local community.
The presence of security forces has succeeded in creating a sense of security among the community, especially in the Nduga Regency area, which is one of the areas prone to acts of terror from separatist groups.
According to him, the presence of troops in the area has reduced the disturbances carried out by separatist groups, which had previously disrupted people’s social life.
Apart from that, Major General Hariyanto dismissed the notion that the TNI would withdraw troops after Philip’s release. He stated that this issue was just propaganda spread by OPM to weaken the presence of security forces in Papua. The TNI remains committed to maintaining security in Bumi Cenderawasih, especially with plans to implement simultaneous regional elections which require a conducive situation.
The propaganda that continues to be spread by Veronica Koman and the OPM is very dangerous, because it has the potential to prolong the conflict in Papua. The public must be aware of this misleading narrative, so that they are not influenced by provocations aimed at weakening state sovereignty.
The government together with the TNI, Polri and BIN must continue to be vigilant against all forms of propaganda that try to damage national unity in the region nicknamed Little Heaven at the tip of Indonesia. The public is also advised to reject all forms of OPM provocation which has clearly caused many casualties.
)* The author is a Papuan student living in Kupang
