Appreciation of the success of the Cartenz Peace Task Force in arresting the OPM DPO in Mimika
By: Yomani Karu )*
The Cartenz Peace Task Force has again recorded a brilliant achievement by successfully arresting one of the leaders of the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM). This time the arrest targeted Lupa Waker alias Lupa Walo, leader of the TPNPB-OPM Puncak area, in Tembagapura District, Mimika Regency, Central Papua.
This achievement is not just an achievement for the security team, but also brings new hope for law enforcement and peace efforts in the Papua region. This action shows the commitment of the Cartenz Peace Task Force in maintaining security and stability in a region that has been in the spotlight due to prolonged conflict.
Head of Operations for the Cartenz 2024 Peace Task Force, Kombes Faizal Ramadhani, confirmed that Lupa Waker was arrested on Sunday, May 19 2024. Lupa Waker, also known as Lupa Walo, is an active member of the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) in the Puncak area and has been on the Wanted List Person (DPO) with DPO number: 2/II/Res 1.13/2024 Criminal Investigation.
He is suspected of being involved in various criminal acts, including burning camps and heavy equipment belonging to PT. Superior in Mundidok, Puncak Regency in February 2021.
The capture of Lupa Waker cannot be separated from the participation of the local community who provided valuable information regarding its whereabouts. AKBP Bayu Suseno, Head of the Cartenz 2024 Peace Operation Public Relations Task Force, explained that reports from the public were the key for the Task Force to immediately carry out arrests. The team’s quick response shows effective collaboration between security forces and residents in maintaining order in Papua.
Apart from arresting Lupa Waker, the Cartenz Peace Task Force also succeeded in securing a number of pieces of evidence. Among them were a bayonet, wallet, noken, noken kepal, KTP in the name of Les Mosip, cash amounting to Rp. 113,000, and two mobile phones.
This evidence is currently being examined intensively by investigators at the Cartenz Peace Task Force Command Post in Timika to dig deeper into Lupa Waker’s involvement with the activities of the TPNPB-OPM group.
The next step for the Cartenz Peace Task Force is to pursue and arrest three other DPOs who were also involved in burning down the PT Unggul camp in 2021. Commissioner Faizal emphasized that his party will not stop here and will continue to try to arrest other KKB members who are still at large.
It is hoped that this ongoing effort will be able to create a more conducive atmosphere in Papua, as well as provide a sense of security to the community.
The successful arrest of Lupa Waker is clear evidence that law enforcement efforts in Papua are going well. This also sends a strong message to other armed groups that security forces will not remain silent and will continue to strive to enforce the law.
The Cartenz Peace Task Force, with full support from the local community, continues to show their dedication and commitment in creating peace in an area that has long been characterized by conflict.
The security situation in Papua is often a big challenge. Separatist groups such as TPNPB-OPM often carry out acts of violence that disrupt regional stability. However, with the success of operations like this, it is hoped that it can have a positive impact on the peace and development process in Papua. The public can also feel directly the results of the efforts made by the security forces.
It cannot be denied that efforts to arrest OPM members require careful strategy and preparation. The role of intelligence and information from the public is vital in operations like this. With support from the community, security forces can act more quickly and effectively. Apart from that, coordination between agencies is also the key to success in this arrest operation.
Lupa Waker’s arrest also shows the importance of strict law enforcement in conflict areas. This not only provides a deterrent effect for criminals, but also increases public trust in security forces. In the long term, it is hoped that efforts like this can help reduce the activities of armed groups and bring sustainable stability to Papua.
It is also hoped that the successful Cartenz Peace Task Force operation can become a model for other security operations in conflict areas. A humane, fast and targeted approach, as well as community support, has proven effective in dealing with threats from armed groups.
In the future, close collaboration between security forces and the community must continue to be improved to ensure the security and welfare of Papuans.
With more and more OPM members being arrested, it is hoped that Papua can gradually recover from the prolonged conflict. The development process and community welfare can be more focused without being disturbed by acts of violence. The government is expected to continue to support these law enforcement efforts by providing the necessary facilities and support for security forces.
The success of the Cartenz Peace Task Force in capturing Lupa Waker should be a motivation for all parties to continue working together in creating a peaceful and prosperous Papua. This success shows that with hard work, good coordination and support from the community, law enforcement and security can be realized.
There is great hope in the continuation of this effort to achieve true peace in Papua. Hopefully this step will be the beginning of a series of other successes in creating a Papua that is safe, peaceful and prosperous for all its citizens.
*) Papuan Students Live in Semarang
