By: Roslina Kadepa )*
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the Papuan people amid ongoing operations to eradicate the separatist group the Free Papua Movement (OPM). Under the coordination of the TNI and Polri, this step is being taken while still prioritizing the principles of human rights and maintaining the security of civilians from threats from armed groups. Various accusations against the security forces that are circulating, including claims of using places of worship as military posts, have been strongly denied by the relevant parties.
The Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force, led by Senior Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo as Head of the Public Relations Task Force, firmly denied the accusation that the Ephesus GIDI Church in Oksop District was used as a military headquarters or war logistics warehouse. The accusation was considered an attempt at provocation aimed at triggering unrest in Papua.
Yusuf reported that the situation in Oksop District is currently conducive, with people carrying out their daily activities safely. TNI-Polri officers are present in the area to maintain peace and ensure that public security remains guaranteed.
The government is aware that provocative narratives circulating, including through unverified information channels, have the potential to create unrest in society. Therefore, the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force has asked the Papuan people not to be easily influenced by negative issues that have no basis in fact. Instead, residents are asked to confirm any information with the authorities or through available official channels.
On the other hand, the OPM eradication operation carried out by the TNI and Polri is based on applicable regulations, including Presidential Instruction Number 9 of 2020 concerning the acceleration of welfare development in Papua. This legal basis confirms that the presence of security forces in Papua aims to create the stability needed to support welfare development. In addition to protecting the community from threats from armed groups, the presence of the TNI-Polri in the field also includes the role of supporting basic services and inclusive social communication.
However, major challenges remain in the implementation of the operation. The activities of armed groups, such as those carried out by the OPM, often hamper development in Papua. Incidents of violence against civilians and security forces, including the shooting death of a New Zealand pilot, are clear examples of the destructive impact of this group. Such incidents not only claim lives, but also create instability that forces local communities to flee their areas for safety.
According to the Commander of the Media Task Force of the TNI Habema Operations Command, Lieutenant Colonel Arh Yogi Nugroho, the TNI’s duties in Papua are based on the Presidential Instruction to support the acceleration of welfare development. Yogi said that the TNI’s presence in this region aims to create safe conditions that allow all stakeholders to carry out development tasks properly. He emphasized that security stability is the main priority for the welfare of the Papuan people.
In dealing with this situation, the TNI has demonstrated humanitarian measures, including evacuating victims without waiting for official requests from related parties. This step confirms that the government’s top priority is to protect every individual in the conflict area.
Commander of XVII/Cenderawasih Military District, Major General Izak Pangemanan, also emphasized that the presence of troops in Papua is designed to provide a sense of security for the local community. Although there are still armed groups that threaten, the presence of security forces has actually helped create calm in various regions.
The government continues to prioritize a comprehensive approach in dealing with the situation in Papua. In addition to security operations, efforts to accelerate welfare development remain a priority. This approach aims to address the root of the problem that often becomes the reason for dissatisfaction in some circles. By prioritizing security, development, and dialogue, the government hopes to create a conducive situation to encourage Papua to become a peaceful and prosperous region.
However, the challenge of dealing with provocative narratives spread by certain groups is still a major concern. The government continues to emphasize the importance of verifying information before spreading it further. By filtering information critically, the public can help reduce the potential for conflict caused by misunderstanding or manipulation of facts.
In this context, support for the government’s efforts does not only come from within the country, but also involves the international community. The government emphasized that the steps to eradicate the OPM are not only to maintain the country’s sovereignty, but also to protect the rights of the Papuan people to live without the threat of violence. The approach taken by the government reflects a balance between law enforcement and protection of human rights.
The security operations carried out in Papua are not merely repressive efforts. The government asserts that every action has been carefully planned to minimize the impact on civilians. Security forces have also been trained to carry out their duties by respecting applicable legal and ethical norms. This is done to ensure that the Papuan people feel safe and believe that the presence of security forces is to protect, not the other way around.
The government’s steps in handling the situation in Papua reflect a strong commitment to maintaining stability, protecting the community, and ensuring sustainable development. The government invites all parties to work together to create a peaceful and prosperous Papua, and to make the region an integral part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia that is advanced and harmonious.
)* The author is a Papuan student living in Makassar