By: Roy Andarek*)
Papua continues to be a national concern in efforts to create security, peace, and prosperity for all its people. The government together with the security forces, namely the TNI and Polri, continue to strive for a comprehensive and holistic approach to address existing problems, including threats from the Free Papua Movement (OPM) and the Armed Criminal Group (KKB). This approach not only emphasizes the security aspect, but also includes legal, social, and spiritual dimensions.
Reverend Petrus Bonyadone, a religious figure in Papua, expressed his gratitude to the Government and security forces for their extraordinary dedication in maintaining the security situation in the Papua region. He stated that the TNI and Polri have shown a strong commitment in protecting the Papuan people from various threats of violence that often occur in the region.
Pastor Petrus expressed his appreciation for the hard work of the TNI and Polri in maintaining security in Papua. He also emphasized that the performance of the apparatus based on law and spiritual values is very important so that every decision taken does not only reflect law enforcement, but also goodness and justice for the entire community.
He also highlighted the importance of harmony between religious communities as the key to creating peace in Papua. In this case, the role of the TNI-Polri is considered very significant. By maintaining harmony between religious communities, the potential for social conflict can be minimized, so that people can live side by side in peace and harmony.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Papuan Indigenous Youth, Yan Cristian Arebo, called on all Papuans to jointly maintain public security and order (Kamtibmas) in 2025. This call is important amid the recent social and political dynamics. According to him, stability and harmony in Papua can only be achieved if there is good collaboration between the government, security forces, and the community.
Yan Cristian Arebo appreciated the steps taken by the government and security forces who continue to strive to maintain stability in Tanah Papua. He reminded that support from the community is very important. With cooperation between all parties, the expected peace can be realized.
This call is increasingly relevant considering the recent armed violence incident in Yalimo Regency on January 8, 2025. Two civilians were victims in the action, which was allegedly carried out by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB). This incident is once again a reminder of the importance of serious handling of security threats in Papua.
Papua Police Chief, Inspector General. Pol. Patrige Renwarin, immediately took firm steps by deploying personnel from the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force to pursue the perpetrators. Until now, the police are still investigating the case to determine whether the perpetrators came from a group in Yalimo or were a new group that came from outside the area.
Police Chief Patrige explained that the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force was deliberately brought in to help uncover this case and enforce the law against groups that carry out acts of terror in the community. He emphasized that public safety is their top priority.
The holistic approach implemented by the government in dealing with the Papua problem covers various aspects. On the one hand, law enforcement measures continue to be carried out to ensure public safety. On the other hand, a humanist approach is also prioritized, by involving religious figures, indigenous youth, and other elements of society to create constructive dialogue.
In addition, the Chairman of the Papuan Indigenous Youth also highlighted the importance of community empowerment as part of efforts to create a peaceful Papua. He considered that the government’s steps in increasing access to education, health, and infrastructure in Papua were part of a holistic approach that should be appreciated. By giving Papuans greater opportunities to develop, the potential for conflict can be minimized.
However, Yan Cristian also reminded that the struggle for peace in Papua cannot be completely left to the government and security forces. He emphasized that the Papuan people themselves must have awareness and commitment to maintaining security in their respective environments.
Yan Cristian said that Papua is a shared home that must be kept safe and peaceful. He appealed to the public not to allow irresponsible parties to destroy the harmony that has been built.
With a joint commitment from the government, security forces, and the community, a peaceful Papua is not just a hope, but a reality that can be realized. A holistic approach that involves various aspects of community life is the main key to creating stability in this land rich in culture and resources.
The government’s efforts to continue to maintain security in Papua, as seen in the handling of the Yalimo case, show that firm and measured steps are still needed to ensure public safety. However, behind all that, it is important for all elements of the nation to understand that true peace can only be achieved through cooperation, dialogue, and a spirit of unity.
*) Papuan Students Living in Jakarta