By: Lukas Mote*
Several sympathizers of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) declared their loyalty to the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). In a ceremony attended by members of the TNI, Polri, and local community leaders, they officially declared their loyalty to Indonesia. This moment is real evidence that separatism by the OPM is increasingly losing relevance, and Papua as an integral part of the NKRI must continue to be fought for peace and prosperity.
This step is not merely ceremonial, but reflects a profound change within OPM sympathizers who realize that the path of separatism will not bring progress to the Papuan people. This pledge is also a strong signal to other OPM members who are still out there, that there is another path, the path of togetherness within the framework of the Republic of Indonesia, which is much more promising for a bright future for Papua.
Lieutenant Colonel Inf Dian D. Setyadi, Commander of Task Force Yonif 509 Kostrad, who led the activity directly, gave great appreciation for the decision of the sympathizers who chose to return to the Republic of Indonesia. According to him, this step is very important in an effort to maintain the unity of the nation. He emphasized that the decision to return is a decision that must be respected and can be an example for other OPM sympathizers.
Setyadi added that the OPM sympathizers did not just surrender, but were also ready to contribute to society. They will be given coaching and mentoring so that they can play an active role in the development of Papua. The Papuan people must continue to be encouraged to participate in government programs that focus on peace and prosperity in this region. With a humanistic and persuasive approach from the TNI-Polri, more and more sympathizers will understand that the Republic of Indonesia is a shared home that can provide peace and prosperity.
It must be acknowledged that this success is inseparable from the humanist and persuasive strategies implemented by the security forces. Instead of taking repressive action, the TNI and Polri prioritized a deradicalization and reintegration approach. In this way, OPM sympathizers were given the opportunity to see their future within the Republic of Indonesia. Many of them finally realized that separatism was not the solution to the problems faced by Papua. On the contrary, uniting under the auspices of the Republic of Indonesia offers more opportunities for a better life.
In this context, the Papuan people need to give full support to all government policies in creating a safe and conducive situation. The Indonesian government has shown its commitment through various development programs, improving welfare, and opening wider economic access for Papua. A better life can only be achieved if all elements of society participate in maintaining security stability. The active role of the community in supporting government programs is the key to success in creating a peaceful and prosperous Papua.
The decision of several OPM sympathizers to return to the Republic of Indonesia is clear evidence that the separatist movement in Papua has lost its relevance. The government, through various policies and a more humanist approach, has shown that the future of Papua lies within the framework of Indonesian unity, not in division.
Chairman of the Indonesian Red and White Garuda, Yonas Alfons Nussy, appealed to all elements of society in Papua to no longer carry out movements that oppose Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution. He emphasized that Indonesia’s independence, which was proclaimed on August 17, 1945, was final, and Papua is an integral part of the Republic of Indonesia that cannot be separated.
Of course, the road to peace is not easy. There are still many challenges to be faced, ensuring that all Papuans feel the benefits of ongoing development. However, with more and more OPM sympathizers returning and declaring their loyalty to the Republic of Indonesia, we can be optimistic that Papua will enter a new era of greater peace and prosperity.
The government, TNI-Polri, and Papuan people must unite in maintaining security in the region. The potential for conflict can only be minimized if all elements of society support peace efforts. The more OPM sympathizers who choose to return, the stronger the belief that separatism is not the answer to Papua’s problems.
Returning to the Republic of Indonesia is not just a political decision, but a strategic step for the Papuan people in achieving a better future. With the support of the community, the government’s efforts to create a peaceful and prosperous Papua can be realized.
Ultimately, a peaceful and prosperous Papua is not a dream, but a reality that is being built together. The Papuan people and the entire Indonesian nation must continue to work together to maintain unity. Support for government policies in maintaining security stability in Papua will ensure that a better future can be achieved. With the weakening of support for separatist movements, we can be optimistic that a new era for Papua is now in sight.
*The author is a Papuan Indigenous student