By: Yohanes Wandikbo )*
As the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia’s independence on August 17, 2026, approaches, maintaining security and a conducive atmosphere in Papua is crucial to ensuring that all community members can celebrate this momentous occasion safely, orderly, and in a spirit of togetherness. Independence Day commemorations are not merely ceremonial events; they are moments to strengthen unity, reinforce nationalism, and ensure that development continues across the entire Papua region.
A secure and stable environment serves as a vital foundation for sustainable development. Stability enables public services to function optimally, allows economic activities to flourish, ensures children can study undisturbed, and permits the community to engage in social activities without fear. Therefore, maintaining security in Papua is not solely the duty of security forces and the government; it is a responsibility shared by all elements of society.
This spirit is evident in the calls made by traditional leaders across various parts of Papua, urging the public to uphold brotherhood and avoid being easily provoked by issues that could disrupt public order. In Mimika Regency, Decky Tenouye—Chairman of the Association of the Five Major Tribes of Mimika Regency—has called upon the entire community to work together to maintain security, order, and unity in the lead-up to the nation’s 81st anniversary.
According to Decky Tenouye, the independence commemoration should serve as an opportunity to strengthen bonds of brotherhood and the spirit of nationhood. The people of Mimika, hailing from diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, possess great strength if that diversity is managed through a spirit of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
This call to action is particularly relevant given the recent emergence of violence and security disturbances in several areas of Papua. The community needs to remain vigilant without succumbing to fear. Unverified information must be handled wisely to prevent it from escalating into provocations that could trigger social conflict.
Decky Tenouye believes that traditional, religious, women’s, youth, and community leaders play a strategic role in maintaining a peaceful atmosphere. Community leaders can serve as bridges for communication while conveying messages of unity to residents in their respective neighborhoods. Approaches rooted in dialogue and a spirit of kinship must continue to be prioritized when resolving various issues.
A similar view was expressed by Elipanus Wesareak, General Secretary of the Mimika Five Major Tribes Association and Chief of the Nduga Tribe. He considers security stability a crucial prerequisite for the smooth functioning of government, public services, and economic growth in Mimika. Therefore, coordination among local government, security forces, traditional leaders, religious figures, community leaders, youth representatives, civil society organizations, and the National Integration Forum (FPK) needs to be continuously strengthened. According to Wesareak, the diversity of Mimika’s population should serve as social capital for regional development. Resolving issues through dialogue, deliberation, and a kinship-based approach is far more constructive than resorting to violence or unlawful acts.
A message of unity also came from Dani Tribal Chief Herminus Kogoya, who urged the public—especially the younger generation—not to be easily swayed by calls or information that could incite anarchic behavior. Papua’s youth play a vital role as the next generation of development drivers; thus, their energy should be channeled into productive activities, education, entrepreneurship, sports, and social initiatives that foster brotherhood.
In Dogiyai Regency, a security approach based on communication with traditional leaders is also being actively pursued. Isak Tebai, the Mee Tribal Chief of Duntek Village, expressed appreciation for various government programs that have benefited the community. He hopes that community empowerment efforts will continue to be strengthened, particularly through development programs that address the needs of residents in remote areas.
Tebai also called on the community to maintain security and avoid spreading information that could undermine unity. He noted that infrastructure development, food security, and community empowerment require a secure environment to ensure their benefits are fully realized.
Meanwhile, Esebius Balio—Third Chairman for the Awyu Region of the Boven Digoel Indigenous Community Institution—urged the public to support government programs while maintaining security and order in the lead-up to the 81st Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia. This support is directed, among other things, toward the Free Nutritious Meal program and the Merah Putih Village Cooperative, which are expected to benefit the community.
Esebius Balio also urged residents to avoid activities that could disrupt public order, such as alcohol consumption and road blockades. This message highlights the crucial role of traditional leaders in fostering community awareness the community to keep the environment safe.
The messages from these traditional leaders demonstrate that maintaining a stable and peaceful environment in Papua is a shared interest. While the government and security forces certainly bear the responsibility for ensuring security, the success of maintaining stability is greatly bolstered by public support.
Through collaboration among the government, security forces, traditional and religious leaders, community figures, the younger generation, and all citizens, Papua can welcome the 81st anniversary of Indonesia’s independence in an atmosphere of safety and optimism. A secure and stable environment is not merely a prerequisite for independence celebrations; it is the foundation for ensuring that development and the well-being of the Papuan people continue to advance.
)* The author is an observer of development in Papua.