By : Yansen Walerai )*
The security forces have demonstrated their integrity by taking firm action, and at the same time succeeded in repelling the Free Papua Organization (OPM) in Intan Jaya. With this success, it is hoped that the situation in Papua will return to being conducive and national development can continue.
Security forces continue to crack down on separatist gangs in Papua. Of course, with the firm action and success of the security forces in repelling the OPM in Intan Jaya, they deserve very high appreciation. The reason is, so far, the security forces have never been tired of maintaining regional conduciveness throughout Indonesia, including the area nicknamed Bumi Cenderawasih, especially from threats from state enemies such as the OPM gang.
The Indonesian National Army (TNI) Habema Operations Command (Koops) succeeded in repelling the OPM led by Apeni Kobogau in Sugapa District, Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua Province. The firm action taken by the security forces against the separatist gangs of the nation’s enemies is certainly not without reason. The reason is, OPM has repeatedly and continues to disturb the entire local community.
Not half-hearted, in fact, the Commander of the Joint Regional Defense Command III (Pangkopwilhan III), Lieutenant General (Lt. Gen.) TNI Richard TH Tampubolon revealed that the terrorist gang from Bumi Cenderawasih, especially those led by Apeni Kobogau themselves had launched their actions since the end of May 2024 then in Bazemba Village.
There was an exchange of gunfire between the security forces and the Free Papua Organization there, at which time TNI soldiers wanted to head to Bazemba Village, but they were blocked by the OPM led by Apeni Kobogau by firing shots. Suddenly, the security forces returned fire that the separatist gang fired at them, succeeding in causing the OPM to be pushed back towards Wandoge Village.
The track record of the OPM led by Apeni Kobogau has been that it has repeatedly disturbed the security and comfort of all people in the area. They do not hesitate to take by force people’s belongings such as food and money and also carry out abuse.
The heinous actions of the Free Papua Organization have even occurred repeatedly which of course made the local community unable to stand it, so they immediately reported it to the security forces to be able to get protection from the pressure and harassment they felt from the OPM.
After receiving the report from the community members, the security forces responded very quickly and immediately took action by deploying a number of soldiers to save the people in Sugapa District who at that time were panicking and afraid due to the actions of the OPM.
For information, there were three members of the Free Papua Organization led by Apeni Kobogau who were involved in the incident of exchanging fire with Habema TNI Koops troops, until they finally fled and left Wandoga Village. How the success of taking firm action against the actions of the OPM led by Apeni Kobogau in Bazemba and Wandoga villages is a concrete form of the authorities’ efforts to create security in the surrounding area in order to continue to fully support the process of accelerating Papua’s development.
Meanwhile, the Head of the LP2KP Intelligence and Investigation Division, Agung Ragil, expressed his very high appreciation and full support for the security forces’ firm action against the Free Papua Organization gang. The TNI’s efforts to take firm action against the OPM even started with the change in the name from the previous Armed Criminal Group (KKB) or Separatist and Terrorist Group (KST), then now to the Free Papua Organization (OPM).
Starting from changing the term, it actually indicates and represents that the OPM has caused many casualties. So now it is possible to make clear and real distinctions, and means that security forces no longer need to hesitate or worry if they want to take firm action.
Regarding efforts to tighten the approach towards the OPM, TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto emphasized that his party would take very firm action against the existence of state enemies who continue to threaten the nation’s sovereignty.
Moreover, with the unilateral claims from the Free Papua Organization, it seems as if they continue to demand the liberation or independence of Papua by Indonesia. However, on the other hand, it is very clear and unequivocal that Bumi Cenderawasih is an integral part of the Republic of Indonesia and there is no such thing as a state within a country.
Because each region in Bumi Cenderawasih certainly has its own level of vulnerability and challenges, the security forces when dealing with OPM have many steps or strategies.
Clearly, very high appreciation should be given to all levels of security forces, including the TNI, the Indonesian National Police (Polri) and the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) who were able to take firm action and even succeeded in repelling the OPM in Intan Jaya.
)* The author is a Papuan student living in Makassar