By: Charles Tabuni )*
The arrest of one of the important leaders of the Free Papua Movement (OPM), Jemmy Magai Yogi, by security forces including the TNI, Polri, and the State Intelligence Agency in Paniai, has been a significant achievement in efforts to maintain stability in Bumi Cenderawasih. As is known, a joint operation involving the Cartenz Peace Ops Task Force and the Dogiyai Police on October 16, 2024 succeeded in arresting Jemmy along with nine other people and confiscating 104 rounds of ammunition of various calibers. This success is not just a law enforcement operation, but real evidence of the success of the authorities in overcoming the threat of separatism that continues to occur in the region nicknamed the Little Heaven in Eastern Indonesia. Brigadier General Faizal Rahmadani, as Head of the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force, emphasized that the arrest of Jemmy Magai Yogi began with information about the transfer of ammunition from Nabire to Paniai. The joint team immediately conducted an in-depth investigation into the activity and discovered Jemmy’s involvement in the transfer of the ammunition. Through a planned operation, the Cartenz Peace Task Force stopped a vehicle passing in front of the Dogiyai DPRD office and arrested Jemmy. In the car, hundreds of ammunition of various calibers were found ready to be used for further action by the Papuan separatist group. The successful arrest is an important step in uncovering the resistance network that has been threatening Papua’s security. Jemmy, who also serves as the Chief of Staff of the West Papua Army (WPA) Division II Pemka IV Paniai, has a significant role in the separatist movement. Faizal also revealed that Jemmy is the younger brother of Damianus Magai Yogi, Commander of the OPM West Papua Army. The strong family ties within the separatist hierarchy make Jemmy’s arrest a strategic step to cut off the leadership chain within the group. In addition, Jemmy’s involvement in the 2015 arms theft case and the gunfight with the TNI last May further emphasizes how dangerous his role is for security in Papua. Senior Commissioner Bayu Suseno, as Head of Public Relations of the Cartenz-2024 Peace Operation, also emphasized the importance of the success of the operation. When explaining the arrest process, Bayu explained that the car used by Jemmy at that time was carrying 56 rounds of 5.56 mm caliber ammunition and 48 rounds of 7.62 mm caliber ammunition. Both types of ammunition are the types commonly used in high-power firearms. With this discovery, the Cartenz Peace Task Force not only succeeded in capturing the main perpetrator, but also prevented the potential for armed terror attacks that could have happened again in the Golden City area. The revelation has a major impact on security control in the region nicknamed the Little Heaven that Fell to Earth. The well-planned operation and precise execution not only prove the capacity of the Cartenz Peace Task Force in maintaining regional sovereignty, but also demonstrate close cooperation between security and intelligence forces. This collaboration is very important for early detection of the movements of separatist groups that are still entrenched in the Papua region. Not only that, General Agus Subiyanto, TNI Commander, also gave his views regarding the success of this operation. According to him, OPM has become a serious threat to stability and security in the Papua region, with various acts of violence carried out by the separatist group. Agus revealed that OPM was not only involved in armed terror acts, but also in heinous acts such as murder and rape of teachers, health workers, and even security forces. For him, the brutal actions carried out by the terrorist group, the country’s enemy, are beyond the limits of tolerance. Therefore, the operation to arrest Jemmy Magai Yogi is considered a firm step needed to ensure that separatist groups no longer operate with impunity in the Bumi Cenderawasih region. The arrest of high-ranking OPM figures such as Jemmy Magai Yogi not only reveals the chain of resistance that still persists in Papua, but also opens the way for the disclosure of a wider network. General Agus emphasized that the state will not allow separatist groups to continue committing acts of terror that harm the community and security forces. Firm action will always be taken to maintain the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia in the far east of Indonesia. The operation also serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining vigilance and synergy between security forces and the community. Papuan separatist groups often exploit gaps in remote areas to carry out their actions. Therefore, any information provided by the public is very valuable in revealing the plans of separatist groups before they succeed in executing their actions. With this success, the Papuan people can feel safer, and development in this beautiful region can proceed more smoothly without interference from troublemaking groups. The successful arrest of Jemmy Magai Yogi is a symbol of the success of the Security Forces in maintaining security in an area that is often the target of separatism. This step is expected to cut off the logistics and leadership lines within the Free Papua Movement, and provide space for Papua to move forward without the threat of violence from separatist groups. Thus, security and stability in the region nicknamed Little Heaven at the tip of Indonesia can continue to be maintained, providing new hope for a more peaceful and prosperous future for Papua. )* The author is a Papuan student living in Jakarta
