By: Hendrik Pattipawae )*
The government and security forces continue to work hard to ensure the security of the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections in Papua, amid increasing threats from the Free Papua Movement (OPM).
The strong commitment of the security forces aims to create a safe atmosphere so that the Papuan people can exercise their right to vote without worry. The threat from the OPM in Bumi Cenderawasih, especially in vulnerable areas such as Intan Jaya and Puncak Jaya, has put the security forces on full alert. Various intensive efforts have been carried out to ensure that this regional democratic party runs smoothly and conducively.
Pasi Intel Battalion 509, Lieutenant TNI Purba, emphasized that separatist groups continue to try to disrupt stability in Papua. During the 2024 Pilkada campaign, they openly targeted attacks on regional head candidates who were campaigning.
According to Purba, OPM often makes threats of violence if their security fund requests to candidates are not met. This creates fear and uncertainty, especially when people gather at campaign locations.
He added that the situation forced security forces, especially the TNI, to increase security in vulnerable areas. The city center and strategic locations in the Intan Jaya area were tightly guarded to prevent further terror acts from the separatist group.
Purba also gave an important message to the public to remain vigilant in facing the threat. Public awareness in paying attention to the surrounding situation and avoiding crowds in vulnerable locations is considered to be able to minimize the negative impact of the security disturbance.
As part of efforts to secure the regional elections, preventive measures continue to be taken to ensure that the regional political contestation can run safely and orderly.
Meanwhile, tight security for election logistics is also a major concern for security forces. On November 7, 2024, logistics for the Central Papua Gubernatorial Election arrived at Mulia Airport, Puncak Jaya Regency.
Head of Operations, Police Commissioner R. Ahmad Hari Junianto, S.Kom., said that the logistics were transported by plane and arrived in Puncak Jaya under tight police guard.
The delay in the arrival of the ballots was caused by the death of one of the candidates for Deputy Governor of Central Papua, which required the creation of new ballots. Now, the logistics have been placed in the KPU Puncak Jaya Logistics Warehouse with tight security.
Police Commissioner Hari stated that the police force is fully committed to overseeing all stages of the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections in Papua to ensure that they run smoothly and safely. Intensive security at every stage of the election aims to ensure that all elements of society can participate calmly, without feeling threatened by acts of disturbance or violence from certain parties.
In addition to logistical security measures, intensive patrols are also being carried out in vulnerable areas. The Task Force for Operation Mantap Praja Cartenz II 2024, which was formed to secure the Pilkada in Papua, is carrying out large-scale patrols to prevent disturbances from separatist groups.
AKBP Herzoni Saragih, Head of the Banops OMPC II Central Papua Task Force, said that the patrol involved around 75 joint personnel from the Papua Police, Brimob, and the local Police.
The main objective of the patrol is to create a safe and comfortable environment for the community, especially during the campaign period until voting day on November 27.
According to Herzoni, the presence of the National Police in the field is expected to provide a sense of security for the Papuan people, as well as anticipate any form of disturbance that has the potential to disrupt the smooth running of the regional democratic party. The National Police and related ranks will continue to conduct intensive patrols in areas considered vulnerable, ensuring that the community can carry out daily activities without fear.
Although the OPM’s interference poses a serious threat, security forces remain optimistic that the unity and calm of the Papuan people can be maintained. At this crucial time, cooperation between the community, security forces, and the government is essential in maintaining stability.
Solidarity between religious communities in Papua is also an important force in creating calm, especially in the midst of challenges like today. In the midst of a heated situation, the wisdom of the community in using social media to not worsen the atmosphere is highly expected.
The steps taken by the security forces show their dedication to firmly guarding the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections in Bumi Cenderawasih. The full commitment of the police, TNI, and Papuan people is the main foundation in overcoming existing threats.
The firmness of the security forces in dealing with separatist groups is a positive signal that the regional democratic party will run safely and peacefully. The involvement of all parties, both the community, security forces, and religious figures, will play a major role in creating a conducive atmosphere.
With all these efforts, the implementation of the Regional Head Election in Papua is expected to convey a strong message that Bumi Cenderawasih remains safe and peaceful. Amidst challenges from separatist groups, the strength of unity is the main key in overseeing the 2024 Pilkada in the region nicknamed the Little Heaven at the tip of Indonesia.
)* The author is a Papuan student living in Bali