By: Rebecca Marian)*
The government is committed to promoting a humanist approach in improving the security sector in Papua. Therefore, the public is asked to continue to be aware of the provocations of the Papuan Separatist and Terrorist Group (KST) which continue to spread terror and disrupt security stability in Papua.
In its development, Papua actually experienced quite a lot of progress. Not only in infrastructure, but also in slick collaboration between community leaders and the TNI-Polri. Namely, related to peace and security in Papua.
However, it seems that this security effort should not be weakened. Vigilance so that future plans must be prepared. This follows news that the Free Papua Organization (OPM) is said to continue to spread provocations. It is imagined that the approach through a humanist system to end violence on the earth of Cendrawasih will face quite a winding road.
According to the spokesman for Komnas OPM, on January 2, 2022, Sebby Sambom said that the troops were flying the morning star flag. Precisely at three locations in Intan Jaya district, under the command of the Undius Kogeya Operations Commander.
Sebby said that the flag was flown at the end of 2021, last December 31. Friday coincides with 00:55 Eastern Indonesia Time. The flag is also rumored to stretch until January 1, 2022. In fact, the war drums seem to have sounded again, with warning shots to invite the TNI-Polri. This group seems to show that they are ready to fight again in 2022.
Some of the OPM leaders who led the raising of the morning star flag included Ini Kobogau, Abenj Kobogau, Ruben Kobogau, Undius Kogoya, and Enos Tipagau. These forces also plan to expand their area of operation.
Previously, Susaningtyas Kertopati as the Intelligence and Military Observer assessed the government’s steps in setting the KKB in Papua to become KST through very mature considerations. Even with the preparation, the consequences to the various implications that will be faced by the government.
According to him, the most serious thing after the stipulation is to build trust in the people through better communication. This includes carrying out propaganda and counter-propaganda which must be measurable, efficient, effective and right on target.
Nuning added that socio-political constructions that often shape public opinion can minimize support for insurgency groups. This is because the KST group often does propaganda with local and international media. Even with various mass mobilizations, to demonstrations by exploiting human rights issues, referendums, development inequality as well as others.
He hopes that in the future there will be more intense communication with the Regional Government, DPR and MPR Papua, especially regarding refugees from civilians who are considered innocent. Nuning said of course they were also recorded by various fears. So this is worthy to be addressed immediately. Moreover, the resolution of the Papuan conflict must not be based on one revenge against another.
On the other hand, the Papuan separatist movement has a fragmented network. In other words, there is no single structured command, and each group has its own leader. This structure-less organization is influenced by socio-cultural factors that occur in Papuan society. Where is still so thick with the spirit based on tribal primordial. That’s why traditional institutions play a big role here.
Nuning again added that all ipoleksosbud approaches had been deployed, but still this conflict did not end. This is assessed because there are still pragmatic elements in the KST body.
As important information, this network consists of people who are so tied to ethnicity that their weapons are limited. However, the main source of weapons procurement. Through the confiscation and theft of weapons from the TNI-Polri military forces, they also buy from an arms sales network from the Southern Philippines as well as Papua New Guinea.
Serious efforts to respond to this KST provocation must continue to be intensified. Presumably, this OPM organization is getting bolder to show its existence. Possibly, they have also loaded ammunition so they are ready to fight against the TNI-Polri and the government. However, we cannot be careless. Moreover, collaboration between religious leaders and Papuan activists is ready to help for peace on the earth of Cendrawasih.
In the future, more intensive efforts need to be made, so that all threats and attacks can be minimized. Reflecting from before, where there were so many traumatic victims who died as a result of the conflict. Therefore, earlier this year, the government and all relevant levels had to put a more serious focus on the better future of Papua.
)* The author is a Papuan student living in Jakarta