By: Olivia Sabo )*
Security and stability in Papua continue to be the government’s primary concern, especially considering the ongoing terror carried out by the Free Papua Movement (OPM). The violent actions carried out by this group have not only disrupted order, but have also spread fear among the local community.
Full support from all parties, including the wider community, is needed to strengthen the security forces’ efforts in dealing with this threat. Keeping Papua safe is not only the duty of the security forces, but also our shared responsibility as a nation that wants to see its territory live in peace and prosperity.
Recently, Papua has been rocked again by a series of terror acts carried out by the OPM. The shooting incident involving a civilian aircraft and a truck in this region is clear evidence that the threat from the separatist group is still very real.
On September 1, a truck passing through Kali Kasuari Village, Trans Nabire-Enaro Road, Dogiyai Regency, Central Papua, was targeted by OPM members. As a result of the attack, the truck driver named Laa Duwi suffered a gunshot wound to his leg.
This incident has raised concerns among many parties, especially because violent acts like this not only cause loss of life, but also disrupt the daily lives of people who want to carry out their activities in peace.
Head of the Cartenz 2024 Peace Operation, Brigadier General Pol. Faizal Ramadhani, revealed that the perpetrators of the shooting were strongly suspected to be members of the OPM. His party is currently conducting an intensive pursuit and investigation to reveal the exact identity of the OPM group involved in the attack. The Cartenz Peace Task Force has also provided medical treatment to the victim at the Pratama Dogiyai Regional Hospital, before finally being referred to the Paniai Regional Hospital for further treatment.
This is not the first time this terror act has occurred. The day before the truck shooting incident, OPM also attacked a civilian aircraft in Pogapa Village, Homeo District, Intan Jaya Regency, Papua. This incident occurred on August 30, 2024 at around 12.00 WIT.
According to information conveyed by the Spokesperson for the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) OPM, Sebby Sambom, the attack was carried out by the TPNPB OPM Intan Jaya group under the leadership of Tipagau.
They not only targeted civilian aircraft, but also attacked military posts guarded by TNI members. A gunfight between OPM troops and the Indonesian military took place for about 15 minutes, before the situation was finally brought under control.
These incidents show that OPM is still actively carrying out actions that threaten the safety of the Papuan people. This group also does not hesitate to launch attacks on security forces and transportation facilities, which should be safe facilities for the community.
In addition, the threat from the OPM to thwart the regional head elections (Pilkada) in Intan Jaya increasingly shows their efforts to disrupt the democratic process in Papua.
In a situation like this, support for the performance of security forces is very important. Security forces, both from the National Police and the National Armed Forces, have made maximum efforts to maintain order and stability in Papua.
They are not only responsible for confronting separatist groups such as the OPM, but are also responsible for ensuring that Papuan people can live their daily lives without fear.
However, the role of the community is no less important. The people of Papua, and also throughout Indonesia, need to show solidarity and support the efforts made by the security forces.
With full support from the community, the security forces will be stronger in carrying out their duties. In addition, support from the community can also be a strong message for the OPM that their actions will not shake the spirit of national unity.
In addition, the government also needs to continue to improve dialogue and persuasive approaches to the Papuan people. With intensive dialogue, it is hoped that the community can better understand the real situation and not be easily provoked by OPM propaganda.
The government also needs to ensure that development in Papua is running well, so that the community can feel the real benefits of the government’s presence in the region.
Even development throughout Papua can be one of the long-term solutions to overcome the problem of separatism. With development that touches all levels of society, it is hoped that the welfare of the Papuan people will increase and the desire to separate from Indonesia will decrease.
In this context, the role of community leaders and traditional leaders is also very important. They have a great influence on the local community and can be a bridge between the government and the community.
In addition, the media also has an important role in disseminating accurate and objective information about the situation in Papua. The media can help educate the public about the importance of maintaining national unity. With the right information, it is hoped that the public will not be easily influenced by the propaganda spread by the OPM.
Ultimately, maintaining security and stability in Papua is a shared responsibility. The community, government, and security forces need to work together to ensure that Papua remains a safe and peaceful part of Indonesia. Therefore, let us support and appreciate the performance of the security forces who have worked hard to maintain security in Papua.
)* Law Student, Yapis University, Papua