By: Alfred Jigibalom )*
The community appreciates the return of a number of members of the Free Papua Organization (OPM) to the Republic of Indonesia on December 18, 2021. These former separatist members realize that the OPM is only a defector organization that sells dreams of Papuan independence.
The turmoil in Papua has been going on since the New Order Era, which was triggered by the prejudice of the OPM (Free Papua Organization) which did not believe that the results of the Pepera (the determination of the people’s opinion) were valid. In addition, the centralized system in the new order made development uneven, so that residents felt neglected. After decentralization in the reform order, there was only rapid development in Bumi Cendrawasih.
After there has been development on the Cendrawasih Earth, it does not mean that KST (separatist and terrorist groups) has stopped 100%. They seem to have their eyes closed and continue to blame the Indonesian government. However, that does not mean that all KST members want to quickly establish the Federal Republic of West Papua, because some have surrendered themselves to the motherland.
Dozens of former KKB members who finally surrendered, in the Yapen area, Papua. Precisely in Ambaidiru Village, Kosiwo District, Papua. They came and pledged allegiance to the Republic of Indonesia while kissing the red and white flag. This event was also attended by the leaders of the Ambaidiru Traditional Village, Simon Rawai, and the village head, Yohan Karubaba.
The surrender procession was also attended by Yapen Police Chief AKBP Ferdiyan Indra Fahmi, Dandim 1709/Yawa Lt. Col. Inf. Chess Prasetiyo Nugroho, Assistant 2 to Yapen Islands Regional Secretary, Edi Niko, and Head of Bangpol Police Sony Woria.
J Karubaba, who was the representative of the former KST members, said he was grateful to all those who cared about them. Ex KST were even given a decent job. This shows that if there are former KSTs who voluntarily surrender, they will be welcomed and embraced by local officials and officials.
The surrender of the former KST members deserves appreciation because the government’s strategy is successful. A few moments ago the government launched a new scheme to eradicate KST, namely through heart-to-heart dialogue, essentially embracing them because they are all Indonesians. It’s just their thinking that needs to be straightened out.
In addition, when a former KST member surrenders, they will be given a new job, so they can leave their dark past behind and start a new day and be proud to be Indonesian citizens. If they are given a livelihood, they will not think about being thugs or doing other negative actions.
The former KST member was warmly welcomed, showing that there is actually no fear of surrendering. The other KST members were allowed to turn themselves in as well, as they weren’t afraid of being arrested or cruelly jailed. Their mistakes will be forgiven, provided they are obliged to surrender firearms and sharp weapons, and do not repeat their actions again.
The surrender of dozens of former OPM members reminded the public of Tenius Tebuni, a former OPM who also returned to the Republic of Indonesia. He admitted that he was very traumatized because when he was about to join the rebel organization he was promised a good life. But instead starved when in the forest.
Other OPM members were urged to turn themselves in as well, as they would not be interrogated or imprisoned. But they are sure to be warmly welcomed and given a decent job, so they can start a new, better day. The return of many former OPM members to the motherland must be appreciated because it is hoped that they will bring a brighter future for Papua.
)* The author is a Papuan student living in Bali
