By: Roswita Mambrasar )*
In an effort to strengthen security and maintain stability in the Papua region, the government has deployed hundreds of elite troops from various security units. This step was taken in response to the increasing activity of the Free Papua Organization (OPM) separatist group which increasingly threatens order and security in the area.
The elite troops deployed consisted of TNI and Polri members with special expertise in anti-terrorism operations and guerrilla fighting. They were placed at various strategic points that were considered vulnerable to OPM attacks. This placement includes mountainous areas, dense forests, and borders which are often the movement routes of separatist groups.
The Commander of Commando Wing I, Kopasgat Colonel Pas Helmi A. Nange, explained that the deployment of these troops had been carefully planned by considering various security and logistical aspects. We ensure that the troops deployed are trained and ready to face any situation. The border security task force (Pamtas) is rolled out a year and two months, coming from the ranks of Wing 1, from battalions 467, 461, Denmatra 1 and Denhanud.
The elite Orange Beret troops will strengthen border defense in Papua while at the same time anticipating attacks from the Criminal Group (KKB) or the Free Papua Organization (OPM). Sending 400 troops to serve in Papua. However, before serving in Papua, the 400 personnel first underwent training at the Kopassus Special Forces Education and Training Center (Pusdiklatpassus), Batujajar, Bandung.
400 Kopasgat personnel will be assigned to 13 to 15 designated posts. Not only that, the personnel will also guard all airports in areas prone to OPM terrorist attacks. The operation carried out aims to eradicate OPM activities and stabilize the security situation in Papua. Apart from that, this operation also aims to protect civilians from the threat of violence and ensure that development in the area can continue without disruption.
Operations Assistant (Asops), National Police Chief Inspector General Pol Verdianto Iskandar Bitticaca added that this mission also focuses on law enforcement and restoring security. We are here to enforce the law and ensure that every Papuan can live in safety and peace. The 2024 Cartenz Peace Operation aims to protect the community from interference by the Free Papua Organization (OPM).
The Cartenz Peace Operation is routinely carried out every year to protect the community from disturbances by the Free Papua Organization. Head of the Cartenz 2024 Peace Operation, Police Commissioner Faizal Ramadhani, said that the Cartenz 2024 Peace Operation was very successful in uncovering cases involving active OPM members. Carry out firm and measurable law enforcement efforts against OPM in nine regions, and of course this law enforcement is carried out in a firm and measurable manner.
The TNI and Polri collaborate intensively with the regional government and local authorities. This coordination is important to ensure operations run smoothly and effectively. Apart from that, a humanist approach is also applied to gain support from the local community, reduce the potential for conflict, and prevent further radicalization. His support for operations related to the central government’s efforts to maintain security in Papua. Cooperation between local governments and security forces is very important to achieve goals.
The central government emphasized that sending these troops was a necessary step to maintain state sovereignty and protect Indonesian citizens in Papua. Head of the Cartenz 2024 Peace Operation Public Relations Task Force, AKBP Bayu Suseno, said that this operation was part of a comprehensive effort to handle the conflict in Papua comprehensively.
For your information, to illustrate how barbaric the OPM is, they recently launched attacks on church members and schools. The terrorist group confiscated electronic items belonging to church members who were carrying out worship on Sunday, May 5 2024.
The Papuan people themselves gave mixed responses regarding how bad the OPM actions were. Some support this move for security reasons, while others are concerned about the potential for violence and the negative impact on daily life. The Papuan people want to live in peace, but are also worried that this military operation could have a negative impact on the lives of Jayapura residents.
Apart from military operations, the government also emphasizes the importance of dialogue and peace efforts. A diplomatic approach continues to be taken to address the root causes of the conflict in Papua. Development programs and improving the welfare of the Papuan people are the main focus, as part of a long-term solution to reduce tensions and achieve sustainable peace.
The development program in Papua will continue. The government is committed to improving the welfare of the Papuan people through various development programs. This is part of our efforts to create sustainable peace.
Sending hundreds of elite troops to Papua shows the government’s commitment to maintaining the security and sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia. This step was taken in response to real actions/threats from the OPM group, with the hope of crushing the separatist movement and protecting civil society. However, this military operation has also been balanced with dialogue and development efforts which are expected to bring peace and prosperity to all Papuans.
)* The author is a Papuan student living in Manado