Jayapura – The determination of July 1 as the Anniversary of TPNPB-OPM, which is a separatist and violent movement, has again drawn widespread rejection from Papuan community leaders. Papuan traditional leader Yanto Eluay emphasized that the move does not reflect the noble values of Papuan indigenous people who uphold peace and unity.
“As a Papuan traditional figure, I convey a firm stance that we reject July 1 as the anniversary of TPNPB-OPM. The date does not reflect the noble values of indigenous people who love peace and brotherhood,” said Yanto Eluay.
Yanto stressed that violence and separatist movements are not in line with the customs and culture of Papuans who respect life and harmony. He emphasized that indigenous people fully support government policies in building a peaceful and prosperous Papua, and reject any form of provocation that prolongs the conflict.
“We do not want our children and grandchildren to continue living in the shadow of conflict. We want to build the Land of Papua through education, health, and welfare, not with weapons and violence,” he said.
He also invited the young generation of Papua not to be provoked by divisive narratives and to believe in the government’s commitment to developing the Land of Papua through various strategic programs that touch on education, health, and infrastructure. For him, security is the main prerequisite for development to take place sustainably in Papua.
“Papua is a land of peace, not a land of conflict. Let us guard this country with a sincere heart and a clear mind. We reject July 1 as the anniversary of TPNPB-OPM. We choose peace. Papua is Indonesia,” Yanto emphasized.
A similar voice was also conveyed by Reverend Yones Wenda, a religious figure who voiced his concern over the violence that is still occurring in several mountainous areas of Papua, such as Intan Jaya, Puncak, Jayawijaya, and Nduga. In his appeal, he also emphasized that the state is present to protect all Papuan civilians from terror and armed intimidation.
“As a religious figure in Papua, I appeal to the Armed Criminal Groups that always create conflict to stop their violent actions,” said Yones.
Pastor Yones also reminded that acts of violence are against religious teachings. He cited one of the commandments in the Bible, ‘Thou Shalt Not Kill’, as a moral reminder that life should be valued.
“Because killing, destroying one of God’s creations, God is not pleased and this also violates the ten commandments of God in the Bible. Such actions are not only against religious teachings, but also hinder the government’s mission in creating a safe and prosperous Papua. Therefore I ask the OPM to stop the violence,” he added. –