By: Recky Rumbiak )*
The presence of security forces in Papua is nothing more than an effort to protect the people of Bumi Cenderawasih from violence from the Free Papua Organization (OPM). With the presence of a security apparatus consisting of elements from the TNI, Polri, and the State Intelligence Agency (BIN), law enforcement against the OPM can be optimal and the security stability of Papua can continue to be maintained. Defense and security of a country is the main foundation that maintains stability and protection of its citizens. In various parts of the world, challenges to security often arise in various forms, both from within and outside the country. One of the serious challenges occurring in Indonesia is terrorism and the separatist movement, namely the Free Papua Organization (OPM).
OPM itself has been around since the 1960s and has a history of resistance to the Indonesian government. They consider that Papua is historically a separate entity and has the right to independence. This conflict has had various negative impacts, both for the Papuan people themselves and for the Indonesian government in its efforts to defend the region. Security forces such as the Indonesian National Army (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri), as well as the State Intelligence Agency, have the main task of maintaining security and order throughout Indonesia, including in Papua and West Papua. Their role is very vital in facing various threats that arise from separatist movements such as the OPM.
The TNI has a strategic role in maintaining the territorial integrity of the Republic of Indonesia. They are responsible for national defense and military operations in response to emerging threats, both from within and outside the country. In Papua, the TNI is involved in security operations to ward off OPM activities that are disrupting regional stability. The National Police has the main task of providing protection, guidance and service to the community. They are responsible for maintaining security in the country, including in Papua. The National Police often carries out law enforcement operations to arrest OPM members who are involved in illegal activities such as extortion, weapons theft and other violence.
Facing separatist movements like the OPM requires complex tactics and strategies from the security forces. Various approaches have been used to respond to these threats, including military, legal, social, and political approaches. In this regard, the TNI often carries out military operations to capture or destroy OPM posts operating in the interior of Papua. This operation involves the use of military personnel and equipment to ensure regional security.
Previously, the TNI Commander, General TNI Agus Subiyanto together with the chiefs of staff of the three forces attended a closed meeting with Commission I DPR RI at the Parliament Complex, Jakarta, to discuss domestic loan (PDN) activities to overcome security problems in Papua.
According to Agus, security problems in the Papua region are quite complex, because apart from there being armed separatist groups, there are also problems with the welfare of the community which also need attention.
Meanwhile, the National Police carries out law enforcement against OPM members who are involved in illegal activities. They carried out investigations, raids and arrests of people suspected of being OPM members or sympathizers. Apart from military and legal approaches, the Indonesian government also applies social and political approaches. This includes development programs, community empowerment, political dialogue, and reconciliation initiatives to reduce tensions and defuse conflict in Papua.
Currently, joint TNI and Polri personnel are on standby in the Sinak Airport area, Puncak Regency, Central Papua. The personnel are on standby to prevent further attacks from the OPM. Head of Public Relations of the Papua Regional Police, Police Commissioner Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo, said that flights at Sinak Airport had not yet returned to normal. This condition, he said, followed an attack by a group known as OPM on a Smart Air plane with registration number PK-SNH.
The OPM conflict not only has an impact on security, but also affects the social, economic and cultural conditions of the Papuan people. Civilians often become victims in conflicts between security forces and the OPM. This condition causes fear, trauma and disruption to people’s daily lives. Conflict can also hamper access to health services, education and basic infrastructure for the Papuan people. Regional economic development and development is also hampered due to ongoing tensions.
The Indonesian government has made various efforts to resolve the conflict in Papua peacefully and sustainably. These efforts involve political dialogue, economic development, empowerment of local communities, as well as improving social and cultural conditions in Papua. The Indonesian government has opened space for political dialogue with various parties involved, including the OPM and indigenous Papuan communities. The aim of this dialogue is to find a solution that is acceptable to all parties to reduce conflict and improve Papua’s welfare.
Infrastructure and economic development in Papua is a priority to improve community welfare. It is hoped that the construction of roads, electricity, clean water and other public facilities can reduce economic disparities and improve people’s social life.
Community empowerment programs through job training, micro-enterprise development and education are the focus of improving the quality of life and strengthening the capacity of the Papuan people in managing their natural and cultural resources.
)* The author is from the editorial team of the Papua Student Press Institute (LPMP)