By: Yohana Wanimbo*
Security stability is a fundamental prerequisite for sustainable development and the creation of public welfare. Without a safe environment, all governmental processes, public services, and economic development will be hindered. Amid national political dynamics and various emerging issues, several Papuan leaders have issued an important appeal urging the community not to be provoked by anarchic demonstrations that could damage social harmony and disrupt public order. This message is especially relevant considering that Papua, particularly West Papua, possesses rich social, cultural, and natural resources that must be jointly preserved for the future generations.
One of the figures delivering this moral message is Dr. Ismail Sirveva, a member of the Political, Legal, and Security Working Group of BPP3OKP RI West Papua Province and Chairman of the Council of the Papua Muslim Assembly in West Papua Province. He emphasized the importance of maintaining security stability to ensure that governance and development can proceed smoothly, safely, and sustainably within the framework of special autonomy. According to him, the people of West Papua, especially in Manokwari, must strengthen social harmony, togetherness, and tolerance to build unity and cohesion. This call arises from the awareness that the success of regional development is not only determined by government policy but also by public participation in maintaining security and peace.
In this context, the appeal not to be easily provoked is crucial. Often, national political or social issues are twisted and used to incite actions that end in anarchy in the regions. Such actions ultimately harm the community itself. Papua, rich in natural resources and cultural diversity, should serve as an example of how differences can be maintained within a harmonious framework. If the community can act wisely and prudently in facing circulating issues, security stability can be preserved and development can proceed as it should.
Similarly, Fauzian Fimbai, Chairman of the United Risa Turi Intellectual Forum, also conveyed a similar emphasis. He urged the people of Teluk Bintuni to consistently maintain tolerance among religious groups and ethnicities, both the seven indigenous tribes and the diverse Nusantara ethnic groups living side by side in the region. According to him, the community should not be provoked by national issues that may not be relevant to local life. By understanding the basic concept of the state and the trias politica system, he affirmed that every difference of opinion in governance already has resolution mechanisms. Therefore, there is no reason to express dissatisfaction through destructive actions, especially those disrupting communal life.
Fauzian’s message carries deep meaning that Papua, particularly Teluk Bintuni, is a shared home. The nickname “house of seven tribes” is not just a symbol but a reminder that diversity is strength. If each tribe can maintain tolerance, solidarity, and security together, the region can continue to develop into a prosperous and harmonious area. Thus, the appeal not to be provoked by anarchic demonstrations is not only a warning but also a call to strengthen a shared identity as one big family of Papua and Nusantara.
Meanwhile, from South Manokwari Regency, the Biak Tribal Chief, Erens Wakum, appealed to all tribal chiefs, both Papuan and Nusantara, to help maintain order and security within the community. This call shows that customary leaders also have a great concern for the continuity of peaceful social life. As role models in their communities, tribal chiefs play an important role in guiding people not to be easily incited by issues that could lead to conflict. If customary leaders stand at the forefront of security maintenance, the community will be more obedient and tend to follow peaceful paths.
These three leaders emphasized the same point: security stability is the foundation of development, and anarchic actions will only bring losses. Their appeal aligns with the basic principles of national life, where every difference of opinion must be resolved through constitutional means, not violence or destructive acts. Demonstrations are indeed guaranteed as a right in democracy, but if carried out in anarchic ways, the substance of the aspiration itself is lost and ultimately harms the broader community.
Public opinion needs to be guided to be more prudent in assessing information circulating in society. The rapid flow of information in the digital era often makes people vulnerable to provocation. Therefore, media literacy and the ability to filter information are key to avoiding manipulation of issues. The appeals from Papuan leaders can serve as a moral compass so the community does not fall into destructive provocations that harm communal life.
Furthermore, it is important for all stakeholders—government, religious leaders, customary leaders, and intellectuals—to continuously synergize in strengthening the unity of Papuan society. The presence of figures such as Dr. Ismail Sirveva, Fauzian Fimbai, and Erens Wakum is a real example that the voices of peace and unity continue to resonate from Papua. This voice needs to be strengthened with concrete actions such as increasing tolerance, resolving problems through deliberation, and equitable development.
Thus, maintaining security is not only the duty of law enforcement but also the responsibility of every individual. The collective awareness that Papua is a shared home must be continuously nurtured so that there is no room for provocation or destructive acts. Development will only succeed if society stands on the foundation of peace and solidarity. Therefore, the message from Papuan leaders to resist being provoked by anarchic demonstrations reflects local wisdom that must be respected and followed by all societal elements.
A peaceful Papua is a shared hope. With a commitment to maintain unity and reject all forms of provocation, Papua can continue to move forward toward a better, prosperous, and dignified future within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.
*The author is an Independent Journalist from Papua