By: Dani Watori )*
Violent actions carried out by the Free Papua Movement (OPM), also known as the Armed Criminal Group (KKB), have become an increasingly disturbing threat to the Papuan people. In recent years, the instability caused by this group has added to the burden of uncertainty and fear experienced by the local population. Their activities, which often involve brutal violence, have created a tense atmosphere in many areas, especially in areas where their activities are based.
Most recently, the violent act has tarnished the security and peace of society with a brutal shooting that killed an innocent civilian. The victim, Jamaluddin alias Dg Eppe (51), was a kiosk owner who tried to meet his daily needs in the Puncak Jaya area, Papua. In his daily life, Jamaluddin was nothing more than a small trader who hoped to provide the best for his family. However, that hope was dashed when this armed group carried out a cruel act that took his life.
The tragic incident occurred in the 7 Graveyard Complex, Pagaleme Village, Pagaleme District, Puncak Jaya. This incident shook the local community, especially when the local police received a report from the victim’s nephew who rushed to report to the Puncak Jaya Police about the shooting that had occurred. In this tense situation, the Head of Public Relations of the Papua Police, Senior Commissioner Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo, expressed how horrific the incident was, emphasizing that actions like this cannot be tolerated and must receive serious attention from the authorities.
Meanwhile, Puncak Jaya Police Chief, AKBP Kuswara, explained in detail how the incident took place. Before the shooting occurred, two people were seen standing in front of the victim’s kiosk, as if monitoring the activity there. They asked Jamaluddin to close his kiosk. Shortly after that, the sound of gunfire echoed, startling everyone around. Three gunshots were fired directly at the victim’s face. The situation became chaotic, and panic struck, especially when the victim’s child immediately reported the incident via the family WhatsApp group, while the victim’s wife ran out of the kiosk to ask for help. The family immediately reported it to the police, hoping that quick action could save the situation.
The courage of the security forces to handle this case is very necessary, and after conducting an investigation, they managed to identify the perpetrators of the shooting as members of the OPM led by Teranus Enumbi. Kapendam XVII/Cenderawasih, Colonel Inf Candra Kurniawan, explained further that the victim suffered severe gunshot wounds. In his statement, Candra emphasized that the actions of the OPM as the perpetrators of the shooting were a serious violation of human rights and a heinous act that must be accounted for.
This tragic event is not an isolated incident, but part of a series of violent acts that have exacerbated the uncertainty experienced by Papuans. In addition to threatening the safety of residents, these acts of violence have also had a negative impact on economic activity and access to basic services, such as education and health. Public infrastructure, which is often the target of attacks, makes it difficult for the economy in Papua to turn. Traders and farmers are afraid to operate in areas that are threatened, creating wider social instability and causing economic slowdowns in the region.
Teaching and learning activities in several regions were forced to be temporarily suspended, because educators were reluctant to work in conflict-prone areas. Papuan children also had to lose the opportunity to learn, which ultimately hampered the development of human resources there.
Regarding the conflict in Papua, President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that the security forces have acted according to their main duties and functions. However, Prabowo emphasized the importance of a more humane approach to quelling the conflict, while maintaining order and security for the Papuan people. He explained that the approach must remain based on law and that softer and more subtle steps need to be prioritized. A peaceful political settlement is expected to end the conflict, encourage them to lay down their weapons, and return to society.
President Prabowo also highlighted the effectiveness of the soft approach in resolving similar conflicts in Indonesia. He reminded that this approach had succeeded in ending the long conflict in Aceh, bringing peace that has lasted until now. He believes that the separatist groups that exist are only a handful.
However, President Prabowo emphasized that peaceful approaches must still be accompanied by firm steps to protect civilians from acts of terror. Civilians, who are unarmed, must be protected, and the approach must remain humane. The government continues to offer solutions so that armed groups stop violence.
With this strategy, President Prabowo hopes that the government can create security and peace in Papua, providing space for local people to live peaceful lives, free from the threat of conflict.
Faced with this situation, the Papuan people can only hope for the efforts of the government and all related elements to create conducive conditions. Protection of civilians and law enforcement against perpetrators of violence are urgent needs to end the uncertainty that has hit the Papua region, and provide hope for a more peaceful and prosperous future.
)* Papuan Students Living in Surabaya