By: Salmon Kadepa )*
The Free Papua Movement (OPM) continues to launch propaganda to gain sympathizers, especially among young people. The Papuan separatist group often uses the narrative of the struggle for Papuan independence to attract attention, both domestically and abroad.
However, the fact is that their struggle is not for the interests of the Papuan people, but rather for the personal gain of the separatist elite group itself.
Papuan Youth Figure, Krisyanto Yen Oni, in his viral video on YouTube, revealed the dark side of the terrorist group that is the country’s enemy. Krisyanto stated that OPM leaders often only use the Papuan people, especially the youth, as a tool to launch violent actions.
While the people are asked to make sacrifices in the field, their leaders live comfortably and luxuriously abroad, far from the conflict they created. This condition shows the inconsistency between the rhetoric of struggle propagated by the OPM and the reality experienced by the people in Bumi Cenderawasih.
According to Krisyanto, many Papuan youths are trapped in a false narrative about the independence struggle launched by the separatist group. They are manipulated into engaging in battle without truly understanding the goals of the movement they support.
Krisyanto explained that the OPM struggle does not represent all Papuans. On the contrary, the majority of Papuans, including those in the region nicknamed the Little Heaven at the tip of Indonesia, actually yearn for peace and development, not prolonged conflict.
The cunning tactics used by OPM leaders, as revealed by Krisyanto, only worsen the situation in Papua. The prolonged conflict that continues to be driven by this troublemaking group in Bumi Cenderawasih not only causes physical suffering, but also hampers the government’s efforts to develop the region.
The development of infrastructure, education, and health services that have been planned by the government are hampered by the security instability created by the OPM. Krisyanto also emphasized that the international support received by this group only prolongs the suffering of the people, rather than providing solutions to the problems faced in Tanah Papua.
TNI Commander, General Agus Subiyanto emphasized that the security forces will continue to try to crush the Papuan separatist groups that continue to disrupt security. Agus highlighted the actions of the OPM which not only spread terror, but also disrupted social services and assistance provided by the security forces to the community in the region.
The highest leader of the TNI revealed that the security forces on duty in Papua not only maintain security, but also provide education and health services. Unfortunately, every time these services are carried out, separatist groups always try to disrupt them.
One example is when OPM attacked public service posts set up by the TNI. In fact, after the shooting of a member of the Indonesian National Police, Briptu Kiki Supriyadi, OPM even increased the provocation by inviting the public to fight the Republic of Indonesia.
General Agus stressed that this provocative action is very dangerous and has the potential to trigger a bigger conflict in the region nicknamed the Little Heaven that Fell to Earth. This shows that the OPM not only ignores the welfare of the Papuan people, but also threatens peace and security in the region.
In the context of security and development in Papua, the General Chairperson of Pemuda Panca Marga (PPM), Berto Izaak Doko, emphasized the importance of the role of the TNI-Polri in creating stability in the region.
Berto said that security forces are currently trying to create safe conditions so that the development process can run smoothly in Papua. On the other hand, the government is also asked to be firm in dealing with all forms of movements that threaten public security and order.
He also gave his appreciation to the government of President Joko Widodo who has focused on equitable development, especially in eastern Indonesia. The government’s steps to build infrastructure, stabilize fuel prices, and take over PT Freeport Indonesia shares, according to Berto, are strategic steps aimed at improving people’s welfare, especially in Papua.
With this commitment, Berto is optimistic that the conflict caused by separatist groups can be resolved and the region nicknamed the Golden City will achieve sustainable progress.
The government has demonstrated its commitment to addressing the conflict in Papua through a comprehensive approach. Through integrated development and security policies, the government is trying to create better conditions for the Papuan people. In addition, community participation in decision-making is also prioritized to ensure that the needs and aspirations of local communities are truly represented.
With a combination of security and development efforts, the government hopes to end the separatist conflict that has been shrouding the Papua region. Improving welfare, adequate infrastructure, and empowering communities are the main focus in bringing Papua to a safer and more prosperous future.
Through synergy between the government, security forces, and local communities, efforts to create peace in Papua are expected to be realized soon, while also closing the space for Papuan separatist groups who have so far only exploited the people for personal gain.
)* The author is a Papuan student living in Bandung