Violent actions carried out by the Free Papua Organization (OPM) occurred again in Papua with the shooting of a member of the TNI and a civilian. This action of course received a strong reaction from the security forces considering that the Security Forces, including those from Indigenous Papuans (OAP), had been tasked with protecting the community.
OPM continues to commit violence against the community and security forces. Most recently, OPM shot dead another civilian in Timida Village, East Paniai District, Paniai Regency, Central Papua on Tuesday 11 June 2024. The victim was a public transportation driver.
Not only did they kill the victim, but the terrorist group also burned the victim’s public transportation. It turned out that the perpetrator of the shooting and arson was the OPM led by Undius Kogoya, who had often carried out their barbaric actions in Paniai Regency.
Previously, OPM again carried out acts of violence in the form of shooting OAP. This shooting occurred after a shootout between TNI troops and OPM on June 6 2024. The gunfire took place in several areas, such as the Kilo 2 area, the Kali Biru direction, the Logbon area, and around the airport in Dekai, the capital of Yahukimo Regency. In this incident, a TNI member named Obadiah Tegket from Papua was one of the victims who was hit by brutal OPM gunfire.
The Cartenz-2024 Peace Ops Task Force confirmed the casualties of the TNI. Private Rajami Uhio, a member of Kodim 1715/Yahukimo, suffered a gunshot wound to the left thigh and is being treated at Dekai Yahukimo Hospital.
Head of the Cartenz-2024 Peace Ops Public Relations Task Force, AKBP Dr. Bayu Suseno, said that the shooting by OPM occurred on Thursday, June 6 2024, at 18.20 WIT, on Jalan Seradala, Kilometer 2, Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Mountains. According to AKBP Dr. Bayu, the attack by the OPM caused Pratu Rajami Uhio to suffer a gunshot wound to the left thigh. After receiving a report via Yahukimo Police HT radio about the sound of gunfire from the direction of Jalan Seradala, precisely at the 2nd kilometer bridge, Dekai, Yahukimo, the team from the Cartenz-2024 Peace Ops Task Force immediately moved quickly to the crime scene.
The Cartenz-2024 Peace Ops Task Force is committed to taking firm and measurable action against OPM, the perpetrators of this shooting, in order to maintain security and peace in the Papua region. This incident highlights again the importance of security and stability in Papua, as well as full support for the security forces on duty in the field.
The acts of violence carried out by the OPM in Papua have of course caused deep concern and trauma, with detrimental impacts on society in general. Even though Papua has become the focus of peace and reconciliation efforts, the presence of armed groups such as the OPM continues to be a major obstacle to achieving sustainable peace. The need for firm law enforcement and constructive dialogue efforts is becoming increasingly urgent in order to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
In this increasingly tense situation, it is important for all parties to condemn acts of violence and commit to finding a peaceful solution to the conflict that has hit Papua. The welfare and security of Papuans must be a top priority, and decisive steps need to be taken to stop the cycle of violence that continues to repeat itself.
Firm and measured enforcement efforts are needed to ensure that acts of violence and shootings by the Free Papua Organization (OPM) do not continue and disturb the peace of the Papuan people. The security forces themselves are committed to continuing to protect citizens and safeguard the territorial integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.
The public is expected to remain calm and provide support to security forces in carrying out their duties. Security and peace in Papua is a shared responsibility, and cooperation from all parties is very necessary to achieve this goal.
In response to this, the government and related institutions continue to make efforts to enforce the law and maintain peace in Papua. Strict steps have been taken to take action against the shooter and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. This includes increasing security presence, dialogue efforts with armed groups, as well as strengthening inter-agency cooperation to address the root causes of conflict.
This shooting case is a warning that the situation in several areas of Papua still requires special attention. Nevertheless, security forces will continue to strive to maintain peace and justice regarding incidents that occur. However, establishing peace and justice is not an easy task.
There are major challenges to be faced, including the complexity of conflict, political instability and tensions between groups. Therefore, a strong commitment is needed from all parties, including the government, civil society and armed groups, to work together to create a safe and peaceful environment for all people in Papua.