By: Isak Kogoya*)
The stabbing incident against a police officer in Puncak Jaya, Central Papua, underlines the need for full support for security forces to eradicate the presence of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) in the region.
The case involving Bripka Arif Hidayat, who is currently in critical condition, reflects the serious threat from separatist groups who often commit acts of violence without regard to who the victims are.
Security forces continue to be mandated to take firm action against this separatist group in order to create stability and security in the region nicknamed Little Heaven at the tip of Indonesia.
The incident in Puncak Jaya Regency began when Bripka Arif, who was on duty at the Ilu Police, was attacked by two people suspected of being part of a separatist group in front of a kiosk in Kampung 55.
Head of Public Relations of the Papua Police, Senior Commissioner Pol. Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo, explained that the violent act occurred on Sunday afternoon, October 27, 2024, at around 13:12 WIT. At that time, Bripka Arif was taking chicken from a stall, but he was suddenly attacked and suffered serious injuries to his head and legs.
After the incident, the two perpetrators fled while the victim was immediately rushed to the hospital by local residents. The victim’s critical condition required evacuation to Jayapura for intensive care, and until now the Puncak Jaya Police are still investigating the case by examining a number of witnesses.
The heinous acts committed by this group of terrorist enemies of the country cannot be tolerated, considering its enormous impact on the security of the Papuan people and all of Indonesia.
Public support is also growing to give full mandate to the security forces to take firm action against this group. Repeated acts of violence carried out by Papuan separatist groups only increase insecurity and hinder development efforts in the region. This encourages the authorities to be more aggressive in eradicating the OPM which often disturbs the peace in Bumi Cenderawasih.
TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto said that Papuan separatist groups need to be eradicated without compromise, considering that their actions resemble armed combatants who pose a threat to security personnel and civilians.
The use of firearms by the OPM and attacks on security personnel have triggered a more assertive response from the authorities to maintain territorial integrity. General Agus also emphasized the importance of territorial military operations accompanied by special security methods for Papua as an effort to overcome the complexity of the conflict in the region.
The existence of separatist groups that continue to disrupt security has become a serious threat, and General Agus is committed to maintaining order, even with military force if necessary. However, the TNI continues to prioritize territorial operations that are friendly to the community and aim to accelerate development and improve community welfare.
So far, the security forces have tried to implement various programs that support the needs of the community, such as building educational facilities and health services in Papua. However, separatist groups that often disrupt these operations hinder the government’s good intentions in improving the welfare of the community.
Full support from the community for the continuity of this operation is very important. With maintained security, the development program in Papua can run smoothly, improving the standard of living of the people and realizing a better future for the area nicknamed the Golden City.
Similar support also came from local community leaders. Kamoro Chief Bernadus Yawa stated that Papuans completely reject the violence committed by the OPM.
Papuan people want a safe environment to live their daily lives, free from threats or anarchic actions carried out by groups who want to damage security in the country.
The people of Papua hope that the security forces will be able to enforce the law fairly and firmly, especially against perpetrators of violence who do not hesitate to injure or even take lives.
In this case, collaboration between the community and the government is one of the crucial factors in the effort to eradicate separatist groups. Local communities have in-depth knowledge of the surrounding environment that can help authorities detect the movement and presence of OPM members.
Information provided by the public can be an important clue for the authorities in carrying out security operations. Thus, the success of security operations does not only depend on military strength alone, but also on active partnerships between the government and the community.
The eighth President of the Republic of Indonesia, who also has a background as a high-ranking military officer, Prabowo Subianto, has emphasized the government’s commitment to resolving security issues in Papua. Under President Prabowo’s leadership, support for taking firm action against separatist groups has grown stronger.
President Prabowo realizes that without stable security, development efforts that have been initiated for a long time will be difficult to realize. The leader of this nation is committed to supporting real efforts to eradicate all forms of threats to the country, especially those carried out by separatist groups that hinder the government’s efforts to advance Papua as a region nicknamed the Little Heaven that Fell to Earth.
With a joint commitment between the government, security forces, and the Papuan people, the hope for the creation of stability and security in Papua is getting stronger. The community also believes that firm action against the OPM can pave the way for more equitable development and better welfare for all Papuans.
*) Head of Conflict and Resolution Division – Greater Papua Peace Forum