By: Warinus Warabai *(
The government under the leadership of President Joko Widodo has taken various strategic steps to expedite legal action against the Free Papua Organization (OPM) in line with the escalating conflict in Papua. This situation triggers significant tension and challenges stability in the region. The government’s steps are very crucial, as they require the support of all elements of society to achieve a safe and conducive environment for the people of Papua.
The government’s steps include law enforcement, protection of human rights, and efforts to restore peace in Papua. One of the latest cases is the death of a member of the Lanny Jaya Police, Papua Mountains, named Brigadier Johan Herik Sibarani, who was shot by the OPM in September 2024. The incident that began with the attack on the victim’s kiosk triggered heightened vigilance among the local residents. The Lanny Jaya Police Chief, Commissioner Nursalam Saka, stated that security forces are making efforts to act swiftly to pursue the perpetrators to the root in order to prevent further actions.
Previously, another incident that also caught public attention was the murder of New Zealand pilot, Glen Malcolm Conning, which occurred in Mimika Regency, Central Papua, in early August 2024. This tragic event has sparked widespread concern, both nationally and internationally. The government is acting swiftly through the Indonesian National Police (Polri) and the Papua Human Rights Commission to ensure that the perpetrators of this crime are promptly arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the applicable legal mechanisms.
Swift and transparent law enforcement actions in situations like this are crucial for maintaining public trust, especially when facing circumstances that provoke tensions between Indonesia and other countries. The Head of the Papua National Human Rights Commission, Frits Ramandey, emphasized that law enforcement efforts must be carried out carefully and in accordance with human rights standards. The speed and accuracy of this action are also crucial for maintaining good diplomatic relations between Indonesia and New Zealand, the home country of the victims. In addition, the justice upheld through the law serves as an important foundation for reducing tensions and ensuring security in the region.
However, law enforcement is not the only concern of the government. In addition to legal aspects, the government is also giving serious attention to the psychological impact experienced by victims and witnesses of violent incidents, such as healthcare workers, teachers, and civilians in the vicinity of the event. The prolonged conflict in Papua has left a deep trauma on many people. To help them recover their mental state, the government, along with the National Commission on Human Rights and other related institutions, has launched a “trauma healing” program designed to provide psychological support to victims of violence and those affected by the conflict.At the same time, security in Papua continues to be a major concern. The government realizes that efforts to maintain security in the region cannot solely rely on security forces. The government actively invites all elements of society to collaborate in creating a safe and stable environment. Security in Papua is a shared responsibility, both for the government and the community. Through this collaboration, it is hoped that a more peaceful and harmonious condition will be created in Papua.
In addition to security measures, the government has also taken a diplomatic approach with neighboring countries, especially members of the Melanesian Spearhead Group. (MSG). The goal is to suppress the OPM and encourage investigations into alleged human rights violations in West Papua. This step shows that the government is not only focused on handling conflicts domestically but also leveraging international diplomacy to reduce tensions and gain support from friendly nations.
Nevertheless, it is important to remember that the conflict in Papua is not just a matter of security and politics. This conflict is also closely related to issues of human rights, economic development, and the social integration of the Papuan community with other regions in Indonesia. The government recognizes the importance of a holistic approach in addressing this issue, so efforts to improve economic welfare and access to basic services, such as education and healthcare, continue to be promoted. Through infrastructure development programs and the enhancement of public service access, the government strives to ensure that the people of Papua can experience benefits equal to those of other Indonesian citizens.
This comprehensive approach is expected to be a long-term solution for resolving the conflict in Papua. The challenges faced are indeed significant and complex, but with solid cooperation between the government, society, and the international community, there is hope for achieving sustainable peace in Papua. Support from the Indonesian people for government policies is crucial in this effort, as the Papua conflict cannot be resolved overnight.
The government has demonstrated a strong commitment to upholding the sovereignty of the nation, protecting human rights, and creating better conditions for all the people of Papua. With firm and measured policies, along with active participation from all parties, a peaceful and prosperous Papua is not an impossible dream to achieve.
Support from all elements of society, both domestically and internationally, is crucial to ending the atrocities committed by OPM. Only through unity and solid cooperation can Papua become a safe, prosperous region filled with hope for a better future.
*(The author is an activist for Papua on the island of Java.)*