By: Isak Kogoya
Another brutal attack occurred in the region nicknamed the Little Heaven that Fell to Earth, when the Papuan separatist group, known as the Free Papua Movement (OPM), attacked a TNI post in Puncak Regency, Central Papua.
The action continued with the burning of the SMAN 1 Sinak building, destroying educational facilities that should be a means of learning for the young generation in Bumi Cenderawasih.
The attack began when the OPM separatist group felt disturbed by the presence of the TNI Post located on the outskirts of the city. Without warning, they launched an attack on the soldiers who were on guard.
Based on reports received from various sources, there were no fatalities in the attack, but their actions continued with more brutal actions—burning down the school building that night.
The incident adds to the long list of barbaric acts carried out by the troublemaking group, especially in attacking educational infrastructure and endangering the future of Papuan children.
Papua Police Public Relations Chief, Senior Commissioner Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo, explained that the attack was a reaction to the presence of a TNI security post which they considered threatening.
After the attack on the post, the OPM group immediately continued their action by burning down the school at 19:00 WIT. Security forces continue to increase security in the area, although the greatest losses occurred only in the school building that was targeted. Benny added that security forces would not allow such an attack without firm action.
Lieutenant Colonel Inf Candra Kurniawan, Kapendam XVII/Cenderawasih, also strongly condemned the burning carried out by the Papuan separatist group. According to him, the burning of educational facilities not only destroyed the building, but also damaged the future of children in the area.
Candra assessed that OPM deliberately targeted schools to hinder the education process, because they did not want children in Bumi Cenderawasih to have proper access to learning. According to him, the enthusiasm of Papuan children to learn is very high, but the barbaric actions of OPM have actually destroyed their hopes and enthusiasm.
Not only did they attack security posts and burn down schools, the separatist group also carried out shootings at the Koramil Headquarters and the Police Station in Sinak District, Puncak Regency.
The incident occurred amid tensions sparked by dissatisfaction with the payment of fines during the Pilkada process. As a result of the action, local residents are increasingly haunted by fear, while security forces continue to try to maintain order and safety for residents in the area.
The Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, also highlighted the increasingly massive incidents carried out by the OPM lately. She said that the violent actions carried out by the Papuan separatist group not only threaten the safety of the community, but also damage the future of the young generation of Papua.
According to Puan, actions such as school burnings are very disruptive to children’s rights to education, which should be protected and prioritized. Therefore, she urged the government to immediately take firm and comprehensive steps to resolve the recurring problems in the region.
Puan emphasized that the government should not only focus on a militaristic approach in dealing with the conflict in Papua. A humanist approach must also be considered so that civilians do not continue to be victims.
However, efforts to secure the region nicknamed the Little Heaven at the tip of Indonesia must still be accompanied by strong collaboration between TNI-Polri personnel. Puan also encouraged security forces to work more optimally in maintaining conduciveness after the attack carried out by the separatist group.
In the increasingly heated situation, House Speaker Puan Maharani also asked the government to immediately prepare emergency education facilities to ensure that Papuan children can continue to learn. She emphasized that schools in Papua must receive better security protection, so that similar incidents do not happen again in the future. Educational facilities are an important key to the future of Papua, and all forms of intimidation against educational efforts must be stopped as soon as possible.
The ongoing acts of violence carried out by Papuan separatist groups are clear evidence that their efforts are not only about political struggle, but also a direct attack on the future of the nation.
The burning of schools and attacks on security posts cannot be tolerated in any context. The government needs to take concrete steps to stop the terror, to ensure security and progress in the area nicknamed the Golden City.
Thus, the incident serves as a reminder to all parties that resistance to violence and threats must be carried out with firm and comprehensive action. Without effective action, the OPM will continue to undermine the peace and development that has been fought for in Papua. Therefore, the government’s steps in dealing with this situation are very crucial to uphold justice and protect the basic rights of the people of Bumi Cenderawasih.
Head of Conflict and Resolution Division – Greater Papua Peace Forum
