Beware of the Negative Influence of OPM Spreading Provocations Ahead of the Regional Elections
By : Ronald Owens )*
Regional elections will take place simultaneously in various regions on November 27 2024, including in the Papua region. Pilkada is an important moment in Indonesian democracy. Ensuring that all stages of the regional elections in Papua can run safely, conducively and democratically is a must. This is the collective responsibility of all levels of society to remain alert to the potential for provocative actions to disrupt security. In the last few years, we have witnessed the continued spread of provocative issues by the OPM. Therefore, the provocations spread by the OPM need to be watched out for and responded to appropriately by the entire community, so that they do not become a threat to security stability that could damage the unity and integrity of the Indonesian nation.
OPM is a separatist organization that is trying to separate Papua from Indonesia. Even though they took the wrong path in wanting to be independent from Indonesia, they continued to do so without looking at historical facts. They continue to manipulate information that is detrimental to the Papuan people, including spreading provocative issues aimed at dividing society, intimidation, creating instability, to thwart the implementation of the 2024 regional elections in Papua.
One of the provocative issues that is often spread by OPM is the issue of discrimination against the Papuan people. They try to exploit the dissatisfaction of some individuals or groups in Papuan society to strengthen their narrative. They claim that the Indonesian government is unfair to the Papuan people, and that the local leaders elected in the regional elections do not represent their interests. These issues are often spread through social media and other online platforms , with the aim of influencing public perception and creating tension between communities.
Head of Information for Kodam (Kapendam) 2024. OPM issues and invitations are currently circulating through leaflets and even on social media with the aim of disrupting the course of development, including destroying the 2024 Pilkada declaration which is being increasingly voiced by all levels of society in the Land of Papua.
Meanwhile, it should be noted that OPM’s claims of discrimination against the Papuan people are not supported by clear facts. The Indonesian government has committed to developing Papua and improving the welfare of the Papuan people. Many development programs have been launched to advance Papua, including infrastructure, education and health development programs. In addition, regional head elections are carried out democratically, where the Papuan people have the opportunity to choose their own leaders. Therefore, OPM’s claims of discrimination should not be taken as absolute truth, but need to be assessed critically.
Apart from discrimination issues, OPM also often spreads security issues aimed at creating fear among the public. They claim that the presence of security forces in Papua is a form of oppression against the local community. This issue is often accompanied by reports of violence or human rights violations allegedly committed by security forces.
However, it is important to remember that the presence of security forces in Papua is to maintain security and order, as well as protect the community from threats from terrorists and separatist groups. Violence or human rights violations that occur must be handled fairly and transparently, but this must not be generalized into accusations against all security forces.
In facing the spread of provocative issues by the OPM ahead of the 2024 Pilkada, it is important for us to remain alert and not get caught up in the information war they are creating. We must rely on accurate facts and data, and carry out an objective assessment of the claims submitted. More importantly, we must strengthen national unity and unity, as well as maintain security stability in Papua.
Papua Regional Police Chief, Inspector General Mathius D. Fakhiri said that in implementing the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections, it is hoped that the community can work together to maintain security and social order and peace towards peaceful regional elections in the land of Papua in 2024. Apart from that, the Papuan people are also expected not to take part in activities that actually disrupt security and order.
Meanwhile, the government, society and mass media also have an important role in responding to the spread of provocative issues by the OPM. The government must continue to improve communication with the Papuan people, listen to their complaints and aspirations, and provide concrete solutions to improve their welfare. The public must also remain calm and not be easily provoked by issues intended to divide. The mass media must be responsible for conveying accurate and balanced information, and not provide space for the spread of provocative issues.
The spread of provocative issues by OPM ahead of the 2024 regional elections is a serious threat to national security stability. Therefore, we must remain vigilant and not get caught up in the information war they create. In dealing with these provocative issues, we must rely on accurate facts and data, and maintain national unity and integrity. In this way, we can ensure that the regional elections run smoothly and that the community can choose leaders freely and fairly, thereby creating regional leaders who can have a positive impact on society.
* The author is a Papuan student living in Yogyakarta
