Beware of OPM Provocation, the Importance of the Younger Generation to Foster Nationalism and Love for the Homeland
By: Elvira Kambay
The Free Papua Organization (OPM) continues to spread various efforts to provoke the community. Therefore, it is very important to maintain vigilance, especially for the younger generation, so that they can further cultivate a sense of nationalism and love for their homeland.
Recently, the OPM movement has indeed been gaining momentum. This can be seen through various actions they take, such as attacks on security forces and spreading highly misleading information to the public.
As a result of the provocations carried out by the separatist group, it not only disrupts the security stability in Papua, but also poses a serious threat to the unity and integrity of the Indonesian nation.
Therefore, in order to be able to face such provocations, it is very important for the entire community, especially the younger generation, to always remain vigilant against all forms of OPM propaganda and to continually foster nationalism and love for the homeland.
OPM, as a group that seeks to separate Papua from the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), often exploits social, economic, and political issues to gain support.
They often use social media and other communication channels to spread propaganda aimed at shaping public opinion. The youth, who are active users of social media, have become one of the primary targets of this provocation. Therefore, it is important for the younger generation to have critical awareness in receiving information and not to be easily influenced by news that may not necessarily be true.
Due to the relentless disturbances and destruction, as well as the display of cruelty and barbarism that is completely inhumane, strong condemnation continues to pour in against the terrorist group from the region known as the Land of Cenderawasih.
One of the strong criticisms came from Papuan customary leader, Herman Yoku, due to the ongoing brutal actions carried out by the OPM. In fact, they also always provoke and are the main instigators of unrest in various regions in Papua.
Not only does it incite riots, but the Free Papua Organization has also greatly violated Human Rights (HR) by killing and oppressing innocent civilians.
Moreover, it is quite heartbreaking to hear how their arguments seem to suggest that they are doing all of this in the name of fighting for the independence of Papua. It is clear that the claim is an attempt at propaganda and is not based on reality or facts on the ground at all.
OPM has clearly deceived the people of Papua into attacking the government and continues to spread divisive narratives or issues. In fact, it is actually the complete opposite of the indigenous Papuan people (OAP) themselves, who deeply love peace.
In line with this, Papua youth leader Ali Kabiay also condemned and strongly denounced a number of violent actions carried out by the separatist groups, which are enemies of the state, as they will have very detrimental effects on the people of Cenderawasih Land.
Therefore, it is very important to provide full support to all ranks of security personnel to take firm action against OPM in the effort to achieve peace in Papua.
Meanwhile, the Head of the National Unity and Politics Agency (Bakesbangpol) of Central Papua, Lukas Ayomi, stated that the nationalism exhibited by the youth is clearly very influential in shaping the future of Papua.
Therefore, it is very important for the younger generation to cultivate a love for their homeland from an early age, to actively participate in maintaining unity and integrity, and to possess a sense of nationalism to defend the country.
Fostering a sense of nationalism and love for the homeland from an early age is one effective way to counter the provocations of the OPM. A strong national character education and the introduction of various national values need to be continuously emphasized within the family environment and educational institutions.
Not only that, but the cooperation between security forces and the community is also equally important in countering OPM provocations among the younger generation.
The younger generation, as the successors of the nation, plays a very strategic role in maintaining the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). They are the hope for the future who will carry on the ideals of the nation’s founders to build a more advanced, just, and prosperous Indonesia.
Therefore, fostering nationalism and love for the homeland among the younger generation is not just an individual task, but also a collective responsibility of all elements of society. By having a younger generation with a strong sense of nationalism, Indonesia will become even stronger in facing global challenges and threats to the sovereignty of the nation.
In facing the provocations of OPM, vigilance and collective awareness are essential. By having a younger generation that loves the homeland and understands the importance of unity, this nation will remain strong. Let us continue to instill a sense of love for the homeland and nationalism in every child of the nation so that Indonesia remains prosperous, safe, and thriving.
*) Political Science students of Cenderawasih University (Uncen)
