By: Abraham Tekege )*
The brutal actions carried out by the Free Papua Movement (OPM), or what is currently better known as the Armed Criminal Group (KKB), have hurt the sense of humanity and justice. The latest attack in Yahukimo, Papua Mountains, which killed 16 civilians, reflects the face of violence that can no longer be tolerated. This is not just an incident of chaos, but a real form of domestic terrorism that must be fought with a maximum and firm security approach.
This sadistic act shows that the OPM has lost its moral footing. Attacks on civilians, especially with the documentation of torture that was deliberately spread, are proof that the group ignores humanitarian values and goes against the country’s constitution. There is no justification for this brutality, and the entire nation must stand behind the government in an effort to eradicate this cruelty to the roots.
Deputy Chairperson of Commission XIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Dewi Asmara, said that the violence carried out by the OPM had gone beyond the limit. This call is not only a political statement, but also a reflection of the voice of the people who want Papua to be safe, peaceful, and remain within the fold of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. Dewi Asmara emphasized that the state must prioritize intelligence functions optimally, both by the TNI and Polri, in order to detect every movement of armed criminal groups before the next victim falls.
Prevention strategy is key. Intensive steps through increasing targeted and sustainable security operations are a real form of the state’s presence in areas that are often used as fields of violence by the OPM. The government has shown its seriousness through the Cartenz Peace Operation, but this momentum must be strengthened with support from all policy makers and the community.
It is important to remember that the heinous actions carried out by the OPM are not just ordinary criminal matters. This is a form of violation of national and international law. Member of Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives Indrajaya firmly stated that the OPM’s actions were very barbaric and unforgivable. He stated that torture and murder, especially when carried out against civilians and recorded on video, reflect a cruel character that deserves to be categorized as a serious crime.
Indrajaya even emphasized that the perpetrators deserved the harshest punishment, including the death penalty, as a form of justice and law enforcement without compromise. The state must show that any subversive and violent actions against citizens will never be allowed to go unpunished by the law.
The government has so far been on the right track. The firmness in dealing with the OPM is a form of siding with the victims and the Papuan people who want to live in peace. In the midst of intense separatist propaganda, the government continues to uphold the principle that Papua is a legitimate part of Indonesia that cannot be violated by any group.
It should be noted that the brutal actions of the OPM also contradict the spirit of special autonomy granted by the central government to Papua. Resources, affirmative programs, and development policies have been focused on encouraging progress and prosperity in the land of Papua. However, separatist groups have responded with violence, showing that they do not want progress, but only chaos.
The state must not waver. The commitment to maintaining the stability of security in Papua must continue to be maintained, especially by not giving space to false narratives that try to equate the actions of the OPM with the struggle for independence. No struggle is built on the corpses of innocent people. No independence is fought for by slaughtering civilians.
The government through the security forces has carried out its duties with full responsibility and caution. The orders given are always within the framework of law and human rights. However, it must be emphasized that law enforcement against perpetrators of crimes cannot be compromised by any pretext.
Dewi Asmara also reminded that no party should twist the issue of this attack into a religious conflict. The root of the problem that must be highlighted is armed terrorism by the OPM group. This is a state security problem that demands firm and strategic handling. Any attempt to distort the narrative will only worsen the situation and provide a stage for the perpetrators of cruelty.
Full support for government policies in guarding Papua must not be half-hearted. This is a test of sovereignty and commitment to the sense of security of all citizens. The OPM is not fighting for the aspirations of the people, but is the cause of the long suffering in Papua. Therefore, the government’s courage in fighting them must receive support from all elements of the nation, including the media, community leaders, and international institutions thatcare for true human values.
Amidst the waves of grief and anger over the Yahukimo tragedy, hope remains. The government has never backed down from its duty to guard every inch of Papuan land, and the entire nation will continue to support strategic steps to restore calm and prevent similar atrocities from happening again.
Papua is Indonesia. And Indonesia will never submit to violence.
)* The author is an Observer of Strategic Issues in Papua
