Maintaining Democracy in Papua Regional Elections, Government Anticipates OPM Disturbances
PAPUA — The government and security forces are strongly committed to maintaining security and stability for the smooth running of the Regional Head Elections (Pilkada) in Papua, despite facing increasing threats from the Free Papua Movement (OPM).
The 2024 Mantap Praja Cartenz II Operation Task Force conducted large-scale patrols in vulnerable areas in Papua to provide protection to the community during the democratic celebration.
Head of the Banops OMPC II Central Papua Task Force, AKBP Herzoni Saragih, said that this patrol involved around 75 personnel from the Papua Police, Brimob, and Polres.
These proactive steps were taken to secure the campaign process until voting day on November 27.
“This patrol aims to create safe and comfortable conditions for the community, especially during the 2024 Pilkada campaign period,” he said.
“The presence of the Police is expected to be felt by the community, provide a sense of security, and anticipate all forms of disturbance,” said Herzoni.
He added that patrols would continue to be carried out in vulnerable areas so that people could carry out their activities without worry.
Disturbances from the OPM have caused unrest among residents and security forces.
Lieutenant TNI Purba, Intelligence Officer of Battalion 509, explained that this group even targeted regional head candidates during the campaign.
“Separatist groups often ask for security funds from political candidates competing in regional elections. If the request is not met, they do not hesitate to issue threats and commit violence,” he said.
Purba emphasized that authorities have increased security in the city center and strategic locations to prevent further attacks, while also appealing to the public to remain vigilant and stay away from vulnerable areas.
TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto revealed that there was an OPM plan to thwart the regional political contest for certain political purposes.
“In the Papua region, OPM is seen to have an agenda to thwart the regional elections in order to delegitimize the Republic of Indonesia and seek international attention,” he said.
Agus also said that the increase in OPM actions was influenced by the momentum of the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections.
Furthermore, Agus highlighted the existence of legislative candidates or regional heads affiliated with OPM. If the candidate loses, they will most likely carry out a bigger action.
For this reason, the TNI in the Papua region will continue to monitor the potential for intolerance and social disharmony, coordinating with the General Election Commission (KPU) and related parties to ensure that the 2024 simultaneous regional elections take place safely in Papua.
