By: Olivia Sabo
The government’s firm steps in addressing the conflict in Papua, especially in dealing with the separatist group the Free Papua Organization (OPM), deserve full support. As a persistent threat to security and order in the Cenderawasih Earth region, the OPM not only jeopardizes national stability but also hinders development in an area that is an integral part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. (NKRI).
A firm approach through military operations and measured security has proven to be the right choice in maintaining the sovereignty of the country and protecting the people of Papua from the terror created by these separatist groups.
In recent times, security operations carried out by the government through the military and police have become increasingly intensive. This is a direct response to the rising acts of violence perpetrated by separatist groups that frequently cause chaos in Papua.
This terrorist group continues to disturb the peace of the community, attacking security forces, and damaging various public facilities. All these actions clearly contradict the government’s efforts that are currently focused on developing Papua and improving the living standards of its people.
Papuan student activist, Manuel Bonay, believes that the government’s firm actions have the support of various elements of Papuan society. According to his view, the people of Papua actually want to live in peace and prosperity within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.
Therefore, all forms of violence and terror perpetrated by OPM do not represent the interests of the Papuan people at all. On the contrary, the brutal actions carried out by this separatist group only worsen the situation and hinder development progress in Papua. The Papuan community hopes that the government will continue to take firm steps to eradicate the separatist groups so that order and peace can soon be realized in their land.
The government has also strengthened the presence of security forces in Papua by deploying elite TNI troops to handle the situation. The Task Force of Yonif 133/Yudha Sakti, Lieutenant Colonel Inf Andhika Ganessakti, reported that his troops successfully took over one of the important bases of the OPM. Two Mobile Teams led by Sergeant Dega Jandri Folanda and Corporal Dimas Nuhali Pardosi managed to seize and occupy the OPM base of Kodap IV/Sorong Raya, which is led by Manfred Fatem.
This headquarters is located in Dusun Sagu, Aifat Timur Jauh, Maybrat Regency, Southwest Papua. The success of this operation is a strong signal that the government is serious about dealing with separatist groups and will not give them any room to continue their actions.
The military’s success in suppressing separatist groups, as seen in Maybrat, also serves as evidence of the government’s commitment to continuously uphold the sovereignty of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) in Papua. Not only that, this operation is expected to be able to narrow the movement of groups that want to separate Papua from Indonesia.
Because as long as this separatist group continues to operate, the development efforts initiated by the government in Papua will continue to be disrupted. Therefore, steps like these must be continued so that peace and stability can be achieved soon.
From the government’s perspective, the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Hadi Tjahjanto, emphasized the importance of a firm response to the presence of separatist groups in Papua. In his view, the threat from the OPM is a serious issue that needs to be addressed promptly to prevent further escalation.
The existence of this group is considered to disrupt the development process, complicate the political atmosphere, and endanger civil society in Papua. The central government, through the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, has developed a comprehensive strategy to address this issue, which includes efforts to thoroughly eradicate separatist groups.
In addition, Hadi also emphasized the importance of involving all parties in resolving the conflict in Papua. The government should not only use a military approach but also efforts for dialogue and inclusive economic development.
However, this step does not mean that the government will tolerate the violent actions carried out by separatist groups. Firm action will continue to be taken, but the government will also strive to create a balance between security and development approaches.
Firm action against OPM is not only for the sake of security but also to restore social order in Papua. The government recognizes that security and order are the foundation of all development efforts currently being accelerated in Papua, ranging from infrastructure, education, to the economy.
Papua is a part of Indonesia that has extraordinary potential to advance and develop. However, this potential cannot be maximized if disturbances from separatist groups continue to occur.
The steps taken by the government to address OPM deserve appreciation and full support. The government has shown that it will not give up in maintaining the sovereignty and unity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.
A firm approach towards OPM is the only way to ensure that the people of Papua can live in peace, safety, and prosperity. With appropriate enforcement and a comprehensive strategy, Papua will be free from the threats of separatist groups and can continue to move forward in development.
*) Law students of Yapis Papua University