By : Hugo Steve Momoribo )*
The release of Susi Air pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens, who was held hostage by the Free Papua Organization (OPM), continues to be in the public spotlight. Behind the security forces’ success in ending the hostage-taking period, various attempts at provocation emerged that obscured the facts regarding the role of the security forces.
Veronica Koman, an activist who often highlights Papua issues, consistently spreads narratives on social media that try to lead public opinion that the OPM is the main actor behind Philip’s release.
The woman via her digital platform conveyed a misleading message. He spread news that it seemed as if Philip Mark Mehrtens’ family was grateful to OPM for keeping the pilot safe during the hostage period.
He also described that the separatist group had allowed Philip to convey messages to his family to confirm that he was in good health.
Veronica’s actions were aimed at strengthening the perception that OPM acted as protectors during the hostage situation, while the reality was different. Koman even dared to state that the release was purely the result of an initiative from the OPM, without involving security forces.
Sebby Sambom, OPM spokesperson, also participated in spreading the same claim. He tried to promote the opinion that the successful liberation was entirely under the control of the Free Papua Organization, and accused the security forces, including the TNI, Polri and BIN, of having no role in the operation.
Sambom even accused the leader of the OPM group in Nduga, namely Egianus Kogoya, of accepting a bribe to free the pilot from New Zealand, an accusation that was completely baseless.
However, behind the narrative that OPM and Veronica Koman are trying to spread, the facts show otherwise. The Eagle Team from the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) played a very important role in negotiating and tracking the release of Philip Mark Mehrtens.
Head of the Elang IV Task Force, Brigadier General Murbianto Adhi Wibowo, explained that the development of the pilot’s health situation was the main key in the negotiations. By monitoring Philip’s physical and mental condition, the team was able to determine his location and ensure his safety.
Since February 7 2023, the Eagle Team has continued to track Mehrtens’ whereabouts in the Nduga region, Papua Mountains. This tracking succeeded in securing the pilot without any casualties from the authorities, civilians or the hostages themselves.
This success emphasizes the importance of a non-repressive approach in handling hostage cases, in accordance with the Government’s direction to prioritize the safety of the pilot.
Police Commissioner. Bayu Suseno, Head of the Cartenz 2024 Peace Operation Public Relations Task Force, firmly denied the claims made by Sebby Sambom. He emphasized that the narrative spread by OPM was just an attempt to build a false image that they were in control of the situation.
In fact, the role of the security forces was very significant in ensuring that the release occurred without major incidents. Sambom, according to Kombes Bayu, deliberately spread false information to gain public sympathy and strengthen their group’s image in Bumi Cenderawasih.
In an official statement, President Joko Widodo also appreciated the long efforts made by the TNI, Polri and BIN in the negotiation process. The Head of State emphasized that Philip’s safety was the main priority during the operation.
A patient approach and not using repressive measures succeeded in producing positive results, ensuring that Philip was released in good health. President Jokowi also underlined the importance of negotiations in dealing with separatist groups without increasing tensions in the region nicknamed Little Heaven that Fell to Earth.
The success of the liberation operation certainly cannot be separated from the strategic role of the security forces. Even though OPM and its supporters, including Veronica Koman, try to obscure the facts, the real role of the TNI, Polri and BIN in negotiations and operations in the field is very crucial. The attempts by separatist groups of the country’s enemies to distort the facts show that they continue to try to attract public sympathy through misleading propaganda.
Overall, the provocations launched by OPM and Veronica Koman must be seen as part of their efforts to sway opinion and create a narrative that benefits the separatist group.
The government and security forces need to continue to be alert to these efforts, and continue to ensure that the true facts regarding Philip Mark Mehrtens’ release are conveyed to the wider public. This kind of provocation is not only dangerous for security stability in Papua, but also has the potential to mislead international public opinion.
Through a more careful and fact-based approach, Indonesia can continue to maintain sovereignty over the Earth of Cenderawasih, while at the same time fighting the efforts of separatist groups who seek to undermine national unity.
In facing these challenges, the role of security forces and full support from the community will be the main key in maintaining stability and security in the area nicknamed the Golden City. The public is also expected to always be wary of OPM provocations which are proven to often cause chaos in society.
)* The author is a Papuan student living in Yogyakarta