By: Daniel Wonda
Along with the increasing tensions in Papua, especially related to the activities of the Free Papua Movement (OPM), President Jokowi’s administration has taken various firm steps to deal with the ongoing conflict in the region.
These steps, which include law enforcement, protection of human rights, and efforts to restore calm in Papua, are an integral part of the national strategy to maintain the country’s stability and sovereignty. In this context, it is very important for the Indonesian people to support the government’s carefully designed policies for the sake of creating peace in Papua.
Law enforcement in Papua has become a major focus after the murder of pilot Glen Malcolm Conning, a foreign citizen from New Zealand, which occurred in Alma District, Mimika Regency, Central Papua in early August 2024.
This incident has sparked widespread concern, both at the national and international levels. The government, through the Indonesian National Police (Polri) and the Papua National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM), moved quickly to arrest the perpetrators and ensure that this case is handled in accordance with applicable legal mechanisms.
Rapid and transparent law enforcement measures are urgently needed in situations like this. Head of the Papua National Human Rights Commission Representative, Frits Ramandey, emphasized the importance of this effort to ensure that justice is upheld and the perpetrators of the murder can be brought to justice immediately.
In addition, fair law enforcement is also an important factor in maintaining good diplomatic relations between Indonesia and other countries, especially with New Zealand as the country of origin of the victims.
The government does not only focus on the aspect of law enforcement, but also pays serious attention to the psychological impact caused by this conflict. Witnesses to the victims, including health workers, teachers, and civilians who were around the location of the incident, need support to restore their psychological condition.
Therefore, the government through the National Human Rights Commission and other related agencies has encouraged the implementation of a “trauma healing” program to help victims overcome the trauma they experienced.
In an effort to maintain security and support the law enforcement process in Papua, the government also invites all parties to work together. Security in Papua is not only the responsibility of the security forces, but also the community as a whole. By working together, the community and government can together create a safe and conducive environment for all Papuans.
In addition to law enforcement, the government must also face major challenges from the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB-OPM), the military wing of the OPM, which continues to carry out attacks on security forces and threaten stability in the region.
The latest attack that occurred in Intan Jaya Regency in late August 2024 marked a serious escalation of this conflict. TPNPB-OPM, led by the Commander of the Kinogo Battalion, Major Keny Tipagau, attacked TNI/Polri troops in Pogapa Village, Homeo District.
The attack showed that the OPM was not only targeting security forces, but was also trying to disrupt the democratic process in Papua. In his statement, the TPNPB-OPM spokesman, Sebby Sambom, threatened to thwart the regional head elections (Pilkada) to be held in November 2024 in Intan Jaya.
This threat shows that the OPM does not hesitate to use violence to achieve its political goals, even if it means sacrificing the stability and welfare of the Papuan people.
In the face of this situation, the government has taken strategic steps to ensure that the Pilkada can take place safely and peacefully. Extra security has been deployed in areas considered prone to conflict, and diplomatic efforts with member countries of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) are also being carried out to pressure the OPM and urge an investigation into human rights violations in West Papua.
However, it is important to remember that the conflict in Papua is not just a security issue. It is also an issue related to human rights, economic development, and social integration. The government has recognized the importance of a holistic approach in dealing with the Papuan problem, which includes efforts to improve economic welfare and access to basic services for the Papuan people.
Development programs, such as improving infrastructure and access to education, continue to be encouraged to ensure that the Papuan people can enjoy the same benefits as other Indonesian citizens.
It is important for the community to support the government’s efforts in dealing with the conflict in Papua, including understanding the complexity of the problem. This conflict is not something that can be resolved quickly or simply, but requires a comprehensive and sustainable approach.
In facing the challenges from the OPM, the government has shown its firmness and commitment to upholding the country’s sovereignty and protecting human rights. The firm policy taken by the government to handle the conflict in Papua is the right step in maintaining the integrity of Indonesia’s territory and creating safe and peaceful conditions for all Papuan people.
It is very important for all of us to continue to support the government’s carefully designed policies in handling the conflict in Papua. By uniting and working together, we can help create peace in Papua and ensure that all Indonesian citizens, without exception, can live in security and prosperity.
*) Law Student, University of Papua (Unipa)
