by Mariska Ondowame.
The murder of the New Zealand pilot, Glen Malcolm Conning, in the Natural District, Mimika District, Central Papua, is a shocking tragedy and adds to the record of the Papua Free Organization’s atrocities. (OPM). This incident not only damages the sense of humanity, but also warns of how dangerous the existence of separatist groups like the OPM is to the stability and security of civilians, including humanitarian workers.
TNI and the Indonesian government immediately responded with strong action. Former head of the Department of Intelligence (Kapuspen) TNI Majjen R Nugraha Gumilar reaffirmed that TNI will not tolerate the atrocities of OPM. TNI and the joint apparatus have been carrying out intensive pursuit against the perpetrators, with the aim of ensuring that they are tried in accordance with applicable law. The move is in line with a statement by the Minister for Political Affairs, Law and Security, Hadi Tjahjanto, who stated that security forces will pursue the perpetrators of this murder until they are arrested and tried.
Hadi Tjahjanto, in his statement also revealed that firm and measurable action was taken by the government to deal with this case. He also stressed that Glen Conning, along with the other passengers, was a humanitarian and health force sent to the interior of Papua to provide services to the local community.
The Indonesian government is not only focusing on military action, but also strengthening inter-agency coordination and cooperation to deal with the issue. This step is essential to ensure that every aspect of the prosecution operation, including investigations and law enforcement, is carried out properly and in accordance with procedures. With the support of all parties, the government hopes to quickly arrest the perpetrators and prosecute them in accordance with applicable law.
The pursuit of the perpetrators is aimed not only at ensuring justice for Glen, but also to send a strong message to the OPM and other separatist groups that the Indonesian government will not tolerate acts of terror and violence that undermine peace and security in Papua. The operation involves the Cartenz 2024 Peace Operation Task Force (Satgas) in collaboration with the Joint Operations Command of the Defence Territory (Kogabwilhan) III and Lanud Timika. The pursuit is expected to last for two weeks in the hope that the perpetrators will soon be arrested and brought to justice.
In addition to operational measures, the government is also continuing its efforts to address the root problems in Papua. The conflict in Papua is rooted not only in political issues, but also in economic and social discontent. Equitable and inclusive development throughout Papua continues to be the key to mitigating conflict and reducing support for separatist groups.
In this regard, the government also continues to encourage dialogue and a more humanistic approach to resolving the conflict in Papua. While military efforts are needed to maintain the security and sovereignty of the country, approaches through education, health, and improving the well-being of Papua people must also be intensified. Thus, the hope of creating lasting peace in Papua can be achieved.
The government’s firm stance in dealing with this case has gained widespread support from the public. Not only to enforce the law, but also to protect lives and maintain security throughout the territory of Indonesia. Operation Cartenz 2024, Combes Pol Bayu Suseno, says TNI-Polri’s joint apparatus has successfully evacuated the bodies of Glen Malcolm Conning and 13 civilians from the Natural District. Those who were evacuated consisted of eight health workers, two teachers, and three children who also witnessed the tragic events.
In addition, Amnesty International Indonesia’s Executive Director, Usman Hamid, also urged the government to expedite the prosecution of the case and bring the perpetrators to justice. According to him, it is important to ensure that those responsible for these crimes are tried, and to prevent similar incidents in the future. The statement reflects the urgent need for fair and transparent law enforcement, as well as the need for the government to strengthen the legal and security systems in conflict areas such as Papua.
This incident reminds us of the importance of protecting and protecting humanitarian workers working in conflict areas. Glen Conning and the hostage helicopter passengers are part of the government’s effort to provide health care to the isolated Papua community. The OPM’s brutal actions that resulted in Glen’s death must be a moment of reflection for all of us that violence and terrorism should not be allowed to flourish in this country.
This pursuit operation will not only bring the perpetrators to justice, but also send a clear message to the OPM and other separatist groups that the Indonesian government is not hesitant in responding firmly to any form of threat to national security. This attitude is essential to preserving the territorial integrity of Indonesia and ensuring that people, both local and foreign, can live safely and peacefully in Papua.
In the end, the firm action of the government and the security apparatus in pursuing and prosecuting the perpetrators of this murder is a real form of commitment to protect every life that exists in the territory of Indonesia. More than that, this move is also part of our moral responsibility as a nation to ensure that justice is enforced and peace in Papua can be achieved.
)* The author is a student of Papua in Surabaya
