By : Matias Tabuni )*
One of the main causes of conflict in Papua is acts of violence carried out by the Free Papua Organization (OPM). In recent years, the actions carried out by this group have become increasingly worrying, especially because they target civilians for violence. This brutal act not only threatens lives, but also damages the social and psychological fabric of the Papuan people.
Violent acts carried out by OPM often target innocent civilians. They attacked villages, burned houses, and carried out attacks that caused deep trauma for residents. One of the terrible incidents occurred in December 2018, when the OPM group attacked workers on the Trans Papua road project in Nduga. This brutal attack killed dozens of workers who were working to build infrastructure that the Papuan people desperately need.
Not only that, OPM also often attacks indigenous people and immigrants. They spread fear by kidnapping, taking hostages and even killing innocent civilians. In February 2021, a priest was shot dead in Intan Jaya, adding to the long list of civilian victims resulting from this group’s violence. These incidents show how vulnerable the Papuan people are to inhumane acts of violence.
The Head of the Regional Police or Kapolda Papua, Mathius Derek Fakhiri, said that violence in Papua continues. Even though there was a shift in the authorities’ focus to the 2024 general election, the police will take firm steps. He invited the public to play an active role in providing information regarding suspicious OPM activities in their respective areas. This support is really needed to narrow the OPM’s space and cut off their weapons supply lines.
OPM’s violent actions caused infrastructure damage which was very detrimental to the Papuan people. Development that should improve people’s welfare is often stopped due to attacks by this group. The burning of houses, schools and other public facilities causes large material losses and hampers the development process.
Apart from that, the violence that occurred also had a negative impact on the local economy. Many residents have lost their livelihoods because their workplaces were damaged or because of unsafe situations. Traders, farmers and other workers were forced to abandon their activities to save themselves. As a result, the economy in conflict areas has stopped and people are increasingly sinking into poverty.
Facing this increasingly worrying situation, the government and security forces must take firm steps to overcome violence committed by the OPM. Strict law enforcement and measured security operations need to be carried out to quell acts of terror that threaten society. However, a security approach alone is not enough. Comprehensive efforts are needed to resolve the conflict in Papua.
Kapendam XVII Cenderawasih, Lt. Col. Inf Candra Kurniawan said OPM continues to target civilians in every attack. They argued that by presenting the victims as security forces on social media, even though they were civilians, this could make the situation worse. One of them was when OPM shot dead a civilian in Mulia, Puncak Jaya Regency, Central Papua, on Thursday 30 September 2024. The victim was named Zainul (44), a motorbike taxi driver whom OPM said was an officer. OPM always wants bloodshed and wants people to suffer. Therefore, the TNI will continue to act firmly to protect and serve the community. Infrastructure development, including education and health, must continue for the Papuan people.
In the midst of this difficult situation, solidarity and support from all elements of society is urgently needed. Indonesian people need to unite and show empathy and concern for our brothers and sisters in Papua. Social campaigns and humanitarian aid can help ease the burden on those who are victims of violence.
Meanwhile, the media also has an important role in informing the actual conditions occurring in Papua. Objective and empathetic reporting can help increase public awareness and encourage real action to help the Papuan people. In addition, pressure from the international community can also help encourage peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Papua is an integral part of Indonesia which has great potential for development. However, this potential will not be realized if violence continues to occur. All parties must be committed to creating a peaceful, safe and prosperous Papua. With cooperation and joint efforts, we can realize the hope of a better future for the people of Papua.
The entire community wants the violence to end quickly and the Papuan people can live in peace and quiet. The public is asked to condemn the acts of violence committed by OPM and support efforts to create peace on Cenderawasih Earth. With hope and hard work, we can bring positive change to Papua and ensure that every citizen can enjoy a decent and dignified life.
*) The author is a Papuan student living in Manado