By August Dimara )*
Violent actions carried out by the separatist group Free Papua Organization (OPM) have created various security disturbances in the Papua region. The terror carried out by OPM, including the burning of public facilities such as schools, shows the urgency of taking firm action against this group. Criminal acts like this not only threaten community security but also damage the future of Papua’s young generation. Therefore, various parties continue to call on the government and security forces to immediately take firm steps to overcome the increasing threat from the OPM separatist group.
OPM has become a serious threat to stability and security in Papua. This group attempted to use various methods, including violence, to fight for secession from Indonesia. This action not only violates the law but also threatens the lives of the Papuan people who only want to live in peace and prosperity. For this reason, public support in taking firm action against OPM is very important.
The burning of the school in Borbon Village, Okbab District, Bintang Mountains on July 13 2024 became the main focus. This incident not only caused material losses but also haunted students and the local community. Member of Commission I DPR RI, Major General TNI (Ret.) Sturman Panjaitan, expressed his disappointment with this action and emphasized the importance of security forces immediately arresting the perpetrators. This call was also supported by the Kapendam XVII Cendrawasih, Lieutenant Colonel (Inf) Candra Kurniawan, who also strongly condemned this action and emphasized the security forces’ commitment to maintaining security in Papua.
Cartenz’s Head of Peace Operations, Brigadier General (Pol) Faizal Ramadhani, also explained that the school burning action was carried out by five members of the OPM group, which is part of the OPM Kodap XXXV Bintang Timur. This crime, according to him, requires firm and fast handling. Security forces have taken steps to pursue the perpetrators and are trying to ensure security for the local community. These steps are important to provide people with a sense of security and confidence that they are protected.
Apart from repressive measures, there are also preventive efforts carried out by security forces. The 2024 Mansinam Separatist Operation, for example, involves the deployment of 70 Brimob personnel in Maybrat Regency, Southwest Papua. Deputy Chief of the West Papua Regional Police, Brigadier General Alfred Papare, stated that this operation aims to prevent security disturbances by the OPM and ensure that the community can carry out their activities as usual. He also emphasized the importance of enforcing laws that uphold human rights during operations.
The existence of the OPM with its increasingly disturbing actions shows that the dialogue and negotiation approach that has been carried out by the government has not produced the expected results. However, firm action does not mean ignoring the dialogue approach, but rather is part of the government’s efforts to enforce the law and ensure the security of its citizens.
Chairman of Commission I DPR RI, Meutya Hafid, also gave a similar view. He highlighted the need for a more comprehensive approach in dealing with problems in Papua. Meutya suggested that the government not only focus on military action, but also optimize socio-cultural approaches and open space for dialogue with the OPM. It is hoped that this dialogue can be a path towards an inclusive peaceful solution, which can ultimately reduce tensions and violence in Papua.
Apart from that, Meutya also underlined the importance of investing in infrastructure development, education and community welfare as an effort to reduce security instability. Commission I DPR RI appreciates the development steps that have been taken by the government over the last 10 years, but emphasizes that these efforts need to be continued and improved.
The safety and educational rights of Papuan children are also a major concern. According to Meutya, OPM’s act of burning schools was an attempt to disrupt the education process and deprive children of their right to learn. Therefore, the government and security forces must ensure that children in Papua can learn safely and comfortably without intimidation.
Firm action against the OPM separatist group is also very important to maintain the sovereignty and integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). Every act of violence and threat to society and public facilities is a violation of human rights and international law. Thus, the government must be able to ensure that no group or individual is allowed to carry out violent acts without consequences.
Public support for firm action by the government and security forces is key in efforts to eradicate OPM. The community must understand that firm action is needed to protect their rights and ensure stability and security in Papua. Active community participation, especially in the form of reporting criminal acts and collaborating with security forces, will be very helpful in this prevention effort.
Furthermore, this support is also important to show the international community that the government’s actions are not a form of oppression, but rather an effort to protect society from threats from separatist groups. Strong public support can provide legitimacy to the government to take necessary actions to maintain the country’s security and sovereignty.
)* The author is a social observer