By: Patricia Oktavia Sikoway )*
The recent arrest of members of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) in Intan Jaya is one of the achievements that deserves appreciation. Security forces managed to arrest Alex Sondegau, a man born in Intan Jaya who is strongly suspected of being involved in various acts of terror in the region.
The firm and swift action of the authorities in responding to the threats in Bumi Cenderawasih shows the government’s real commitment to maintaining stability and security in the region nicknamed the Little Heaven at the tip of Indonesia.
Alex Sondegau, who is part of Zacky Sondegau’s group, was arrested around the Yonif 509/BY Kodim Preparation Post in Mamba Village, Sugapa District, on Wednesday (9/10/2024).
The arrest occurred while Alex was scouting out the guard post, signaling an attempted attack by the separatist group. Intensive investigations into Alex continue to be carried out by TNI officers at the Kotis Mamba Post. This success is inseparable from strict supervision and well-structured field operations.
Apart from Alex, two days earlier, joint forces from the TNI, Polri and BIN also succeeded in arresting two other members of the separatist group, Alison Wonda and Yotenus Wonda, in Kampung Lumbuk.
The arrests were the result of an intensive pursuit operation in the Puncak Jaya area. The two are suspected of being involved in a series of violent acts, including the shooting in Kampung Kulirik. With the arrest of these two key members, the OPM network that disrupts order in Papua is increasingly being eroded.
Intan Jaya Police Chief, Commissioner Subekti Wibowo, emphasized that firm action against the separatist group will not stop at this arrest. He explained that the previous incident at Titigi Post, which killed one TNI soldier, showed that the OPM continues to try to take advantage of the situation to carry out surprise attacks.
The movement of Joshua Maiseni, the leader of the group that carried out the shooting, is still under monitoring. Police Commissioner Subekti revealed that OPM members in the area are highly organized and tend to take advantage of opportunities when officers are carrying out routine duties.
Aburizal Bakrie, a senior politician from the Golkar Party, gave his full support to the firm efforts taken by the TNI and Polri in dealing with the separatist threat in Bumi Cenderawasih.
According to him, the firm steps are very important in maintaining the sovereignty of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). Every form of rebellion against NKRI must be responded to with strong action, without giving room for compromise.
The senior politician also supports the strong commitment of the security forces to anticipate all the very real threats faced by the Indonesian nation, especially from the OPM separatism case.
On the other hand, Aburizal also emphasized the importance of a welfare approach alongside security measures. According to him, accelerated development in Papua, especially in the economic and social fields, is urgently needed to ensure that people can live safely and prosperously.
This approach will create a more conducive environment, so that people can do their activities without fear. The synergy between the firm actions of the authorities and the welfare approach is believed to produce a long-term positive impact for Papua.
The actions of the security forces who succeeded in arresting members of the separatist group deserve high appreciation. This step not only prevented potential future attacks, but also sent a strong message that the state will not provide space for movements that want to divide the Republic of Indonesia.
The arrests confirm that security in Bumi Cenderawasih is the government’s top priority, and security forces will not stop at maintaining stability in this potential-rich region.
Head of Criminal Investigation Unit of Puncak Jaya Police, AKP Rian Oktaria, added that further investigations into the OPM network will continue to be carried out, especially to uncover who is still actively organizing the movement in the Intan Jaya area.
According to him, these groups not only disturb the security forces, but also harm the local community. AKP Rian emphasized that with the arrest of the key leaders of the terrorist gangs, it is hoped that the intensity of violent actions in Papua can be minimized.
The success of the authorities in capturing OPM members in the area nicknamed the Golden City proves that security and peace in Papua are not impossible to achieve. The hard work and dedication of the security forces in maintaining the country’s sovereignty, especially in conflict-prone areas such as Papua, shows how important their role is in realizing national stability.
As a society, a sense of security and peace in Papua is something that must be maintained, and firm action against separatist groups that undermine the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia is a step that cannot be postponed any longer.
In the future, with continued security operations and a holistic welfare approach, the situation in this Little Heaven in Eastern Indonesia is expected to be more conducive. The welfare created from security and peace will have a positive impact on the entire community, as well as strengthen Papua’s position as an integral part of the Republic of Indonesia.
)* The author is a Papuan student living in Yogyakarta
