By: Yohanes Wandikbo )*
Papua is demonstrating a new face of peace through the synergy of security forces, traditional leaders, religious figures, and the community. Various concrete steps have been taken, ranging from consolidating the security apparatus, strengthening the role of traditional judges, to providing central government assistance that directly addresses the needs of the community. All these efforts demonstrate that peace is not just a slogan, but the result of real cooperation between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), regional governments, and local communities in maintaining stability and promoting sustainable development.
This situation is evident in Agats City, which has recovered and returned to a conducive situation thanks to the close cooperation between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), the local government, and the community. The Head of Public Relations of the Papua Regional Police, Senior Commissioner Cahyo Sukarni, stated that the large-scale roll call led by the Asmat Regent and all stakeholders on September 29, 2025, served as a momentum for cross-sector consolidation to strengthen security stability and facilitate post-incident recovery.
According to data provided by the Head of Public Relations for the Papua Regional Police, Senior Commissioner Cahyo Sukarni, the damage recorded included a burned TNI Task Force post and several government office facilities damaged. Several business units were also looted and official vehicles damaged. However, all of these conditions are now being handled quickly with the full support of security forces and the local government. He emphasized that joint TNI and Polri officers continue to conduct intensive patrols, while the local government is holding reconciliation meetings with traditional leaders, community leaders, and relevant agencies. The public is also continuously urged to maintain order, be wise in using social media, and not be easily provoked.
A positive step has also been taken in South Sorong with the establishment of a customary judge institution. Altius Thesia, Head of the Tehit Tribe’s LMA (Religious Leaders Association), believes that customary judges play a crucial role as respected elders who understand traditional history and are trusted by the community to resolve issues. He emphasized that this institution strengthens the community’s social system, maintains harmony, and prevents horizontal conflict. The presence of customary judges is also considered a pillar for maintaining unity, integrity, and peace.
This support was reinforced by the local government. The Head of the South Sorong Regional Police’s National Unity and Politics Agency (Kesbangpol), Noak Kladit, explained that customary judges play a strategic role in mitigating conflict, particularly over disputes over customary territories. He confirmed that by 2026, the government would collaborate with customary leaders on mapping customary territories to prevent potential conflict early.
Not only traditional leaders but also the role of religious leaders is being strengthened. In Puncak Jaya Regency, the central government distributed phase two of business assistance in the form of piglets to the Head of the Evangelical Church in Indonesia (GIDI) in the Yamo Region, Reverend Lenis Kogoya. He considered this assistance a clear demonstration of the government’s concern for spiritual leaders who play a role in maintaining moral values and driving community life. Empowerment through local livestock not only supports family finances but also strengthens the church’s role as a liaison between government policies and community needs.
Minangen Wonda, the Chief of the Lumo Tribe, also expressed his gratitude for President Prabowo Subianto’s direct assistance in the form of a honai (house), pig pens, livestock seeds, and communication equipment. He assessed that this assistance truly addresses the basic needs of the mountain community. He believes the central government’s concrete steps have had a significant impact on improving welfare. He and the Lumo District community also reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace in Papua.
The synergy between the central government and traditional leaders is also evident in Central Papua. The head of the Meepago Traditional Council, Wolter Belau, expressed his gratitude for the assistance in renovating his house, installing electricity, and constructing a three-meter-high embankment in his yard. He believes the central government’s support demonstrates their deep concern for traditional leaders in Papua. He also emphasized that the Meepago Traditional Council fully supports various government programs, such as the Free Nutritious Food Program (MBG), the Red and White Cooperative, the National Strategic Program (PSN), and the Transmigration Program. He believes this support is crucial for achieving community welfare and the future of Papua’s future generations.
From these various steps, it is clear that synergy between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), local governments, traditional leaders, and religious leaders is a comprehensive formula for safeguarding Papua. Security forces prioritize a collaborative approach, traditional leaders ensure social harmony, and religious leaders strengthen the moral and spiritual foundations of the community. All these elements unite in one grand vision: realizing a peaceful, prosperous, and competitive Papua.
A peaceful Papua will be a crucial foundation for economic growth, education, and social welfare. With cooperation rooted in local wisdom, stability can be maintained and development sustainable. Synergy between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri) and the Papuan people is the path to a future filled with hope, brotherhood, and progress for the entire nation.
)* The author is an observer of Papuan development