By: Sabby Kosay )*
The anniversary of the Free Papua Movement (OPM), which was claimed to be held on December 1, was considered by some residents to be quite troubling. The community also agreed to reject the OPM because OPM is known as a group of rioters who often persecute residents.
The news about the anniversary of the radical organization OPM December 1 has been widely reported. Not only made some people uneasy, but also the Indonesian government. The reason is, this organization is the group that is the most keen to voice independence for Papua, both subtly and roughly. Secretly or openly. In fact, their cruelty to the point of taking their lives will be done.
Various rejections on the anniversary of this anniversary also came from the People of Papua New Guinea (PNG), Ray Tanji. Refuse the arrival of Papuan separatist militants in their area. He also asked the security forces to return them to Jayapura. Because, their presence is very disturbing and also causes problems for PNG residents. It also asked the authorities to investigate the activities of Papuan activists, in order to maintain the security and comfort of local residents. He asked PNG officials to investigate the presence and activities of Papuan separatist elements in order to maintain the security of local residents.
Previously, on October 1, there were reportedly armed clashes between the Indonesian military and elements of the Papuan separatist movement. As a result, the authorities immediately closed the Indonesia – PNG border road in the Skouw – Wutung area, in the Muara Tami district of Jayapura city. This separatist movement indeed often makes citizens anxious and afraid. It could be that at the anniversary event their organization will launch treacherous acts or the like that are dangerous.
Meanwhile, after the open letter from the Free Papua Organization (OPM) was not responded to by the Indonesian government. Now, ahead of the OPM Anniversary, this deviant group is again urging the Indonesian government. So that Indonesia would want to negotiate again regarding the independence they requested.
OPM stated that they wanted to request recognition from the Indonesian government and also the United Nations against the Proclamation of July 1, 1971. Because they considered that de facto de jure, the proclamation had been recognized, and even had opened a representative office in the country of Senegal, West Africa. OPM’s insistence on the Indonesian government is not the first time this has happened. Just last year, the OPM was suspected of sending an open letter to President Jokowi. However, it was still not responded. Where the contents of the letter is a statement of rejection of infrastructure development in the West Papua region.
OPM is currently struggling to gain recognition of the political rights of the independence of the Papuan people in the form of the right to self determination against the proclamation of July 1, 1971. According to him, the proclamation was opposed to the Determination of the People’s Opinion (Pepera) in 1969. So they fought according to plan to get full independence from the Indonesian government.
The anniversary of the OPM Anniversary on December 1 is usually celebrated at TPNPB-OPM posts. One of them is by raising the Morning Star flag. Meanwhile, for some Papuans living in urban areas, they will commemorate it by conducting prayer services accompanied by discussions or seminars. This kind of commemoration activity is claimed to have been carried out for decades. However, December 1 was actually not a proclamation, but a day when Papuan leaders and the Dutch government announced a state embryo. Then the proclamation occurred on July 1, 1971, the OPM fought tooth and nail to get this recognition.
On the other hand, XVII / Cenderawasih Kodam (Kapendam) Information Chief Colonel Cpl Eko Daryanto said he had no plans to hold any special safeguards ahead of the OPM anniversary. Nevertheless, it still ordered all its ranks to increase the awareness of officers in all regions of Papua. Including the public so as not to be consumed by provocative issues related to this event. In addition, people are also asked to avoid vulnerable areas, such as mountains and areas used as OPM bases. Namely, Nduga, Puncak District, and Ilaga district. This appeal also aims to reduce losses that could have an impact on the instability of security conditions.
Not only Papuans, the government’s call also includes all elements of society in the archipelago. In order to continue to increase awareness of this. Moreover, the news that adorns social media that sometimes deviates. Furthermore, unity and unity must continue to be strengthened, because no party will be able to separate Papua from the Unitary Republic of Indonesia.
)* The writer is a Papuan student living in Yogyakarta