By: Loa Murib
The efforts of the separatist group Free Papua Organization (OPM), which continues to campaign for Papua’s secession from the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), have been widely rejected by various elements of the nation. The separatist narrative propagated by OPM not only contradicts the principles of state sovereignty but also fuels social tensions, security instability, and poses a serious obstacle to the ongoing development in the Land of Cenderawasih.
The existence of OPM, with its violent actions and political propaganda, has caused deep unrest among the people of Papua. Their actions do not reflect the will of the broader Papuan community but instead serve narrow interests that threaten to destroy social order and drag the younger generation into a cycle of prolonged conflict. Meanwhile, the government and the people of Papua have shown a strong commitment to progress within the framework of Indonesian unity, rejecting all forms of provocation that could disrupt regional peace and stability.
The affirmation of Papua’s status as a legitimate part of the Republic of Indonesia was also conveyed by Brigadier General TNI Frega Wenas Inkiriwang, Head of the Defense Information Bureau at the Ministry of Defense. He stated that OPM’s calls for secession are unacceptable. Papua is a sovereign region of Indonesia, internationally recognized as an integral part of the republic. Therefore, any attempt to divide the nation and deny historical and legal facts must be firmly countered through legal, social, and cultural approaches.
Support for rejecting OPM also comes from regional representatives of Papua in national institutions. Agustinus R. Kambuaya, a member of the Indonesian Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) representing Southwest Papua, emphasized the importance of maintaining solidarity among all elements of society to avoid being provoked by separatist narratives. According to him, Papua’s stability and security result from unity and collective awareness to protect their ancestral land from those seeking to divide the nation. The effort to uphold Papua within NKRI is not solely the responsibility of the central government but also part of the Papuan people’s struggle—those who love peace and hope for a brighter future.
Strong opposition to OPM’s existence and actions also came from Papuan community leader Martinus Kasuay. He believes that firm action must be taken against the group to create a safe and conducive environment in Papua. The armed violence perpetrated by OPM against security forces and civilians cannot be tolerated. Their brutal acts hinder Papua’s progress and tarnish the genuine struggle of indigenous communities, who yearn for welfare and development. Therefore, the state must act decisively to protect Papuans from the terror and intimidation of separatist groups.
The rejection of OPM also reflects public awareness that Papua is an integral part of Indonesia—not a separate entity. The government has initiated various development programs in Papua, ranging from infrastructure construction and education improvement to the provision of healthcare services. All of these efforts demonstrate the state’s commitment to achieving justice and prosperity in Indonesia’s easternmost region. OPM’s narratives, which often portray the government as neglectful of Papua, are fundamentally baseless and misleading.
Furthermore, groups supporting OPM and spreading separatist ideology among the younger generation must be watched closely. National education and awareness must be strengthened to leave no room for propaganda spread via social media or global networks sympathetic to separatism. The government and the people must work hand in hand to build a counter-narrative that fosters nationalism and strengthens the emotional ties of the Papuan people to the Indonesian homeland.
The safety and peace of Papua are not only the hopes of local communities but also the responsibility of the entire Indonesian nation. The violence perpetrated by OPM targets not only security personnel but also innocent civilians. These are clear violations of human rights, and thus, the international community should no longer provide space or support for the existence of such separatist groups. In the context of international law, the sovereignty of a state that is legally recognized cannot be challenged, and any separatist action is a serious violation of this principle.
Rejection of OPM’s presence should serve as a shared spirit to accelerate Papua’s progress through synergy between the central government, local governments, community leaders, religious figures, and the younger generation. The development process currently underway requires stability and cooperation from all parties—not violence that spreads fear. Therefore, all elements of the nation must strengthen national narratives, broaden dialogue, and ensure that the aspirations of the Papuan people are channeled through peaceful and constitutional means.
Papua is not a land of conflict. Papua is a land of peace, culture, and hope. The young generation of Papua deserves to grow in a safe and prosperous environment. They should not fall victim to the political ambitions of a small group that does not represent the voice of the majority. Now is the time for all parties to firmly close the door to OPM and affirm that Papua’s future lies only within a united, just, and prosperous NKRI.
The author is a Papuan student in Surabaya.
