By: Yulius Mepare
Security forces throughout Papua continue to strengthen efforts to improve security and overcome disturbances from Papuan separatist groups. This firm and consistent step is a top priority in maintaining the stability of the region nicknamed the Little Heaven that Fell to Earth.
Recent incidents involving the separatist group, such as the attack on the TNI Post and the burning of schools, further emphasize the importance of continued security in Bumi Cenderawasih.
Papua Police Public Relations Chief, Senior Commissioner Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo, explained that the attack occurred after the separatist group saw the presence of a TNI post on the outskirts of the city.
Their displeasure with the presence of security forces in the area triggered an attack. Members of this group immediately attacked the soldiers on guard, although there were no fatalities in the incident. At 19:00 WIT, the brutal action continued by burning a school building, which added to the list of infrastructure damage in Papua. According to Benny, security forces immediately increased security in the area to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The incident underlines that separatist groups not only aim to disrupt public order, but also damage essential public facilities, such as school buildings.
The burning was one of a series of actions carried out by a group of terrorist enemies of the state who systematically tried to hinder the progress of education in Papua.
In many cases, the group targeted educational facilities because they recognize the importance of education for the development of the younger generation in the area dubbed the Golden City. The incidents have added pressure on security forces to ensure better security, especially in areas that are frequently targeted by attacks.
Kapendam XVII/Cenderawasih, Lieutenant Colonel Inf Candra Kurniawan, revealed that security forces are currently pursuing the perpetrators involved in the burning of the school. The separatist group is indeed known to often flee after carrying out attacks, but the authorities remain determined to catch them.
Candra emphasized that the action not only damaged educational infrastructure, but also threatened the future of children in the region. According to him, the separatist group deliberately carried out the burning to hinder the teaching and learning process, because they realized that education is the main foundation for building a better Papua.
Lieutenant Colonel Inf Candra Kurniawan also stated that the enthusiasm of children to learn in the region nicknamed Little Heaven at the tip of Indonesia is very high, and the brutal action is an attempt by the separatist group to dampen the potential for progress of the younger generation.
Education is a primary target because the group knows that by destroying access to education, they can suppress intellectual and economic development in the area. Therefore, Candra emphasized that securing educational facilities will be a priority in ongoing security operations.
In addition, the brutal action was reported as part of the separatist group’s dissatisfaction with the payment of fines related to disputes in the Pilkada stages. The frustration triggered a series of attacks that not only targeted security posts, but also schools and other public facilities.
The psychological impact of the incident cannot be ignored, as fear and anxiety permeate the local community. Security forces, together with local authorities, continue to work to restore a sense of security among the community.
Head of the TNI Information Center, Major General TNI Hariyanto, added that the presence of TNI soldiers and Polri personnel in Papua aims to support the government in improving development and community welfare.
Their presence is expected to provide protection for civilians from the threat of separatist groups that often carry out sporadic attacks. Hariyanto emphasized that the government’s efforts to maintain stability in Papua are aimed at ensuring that people can live their lives safely and comfortably without interference from parties trying to disrupt order.
Over the past few years, security efforts by the TNI, Polri and BIN have helped prevent many major attacks planned by separatist groups. However, sporadic disturbances such as the latest attack still occur and require serious attention from the government.
Hariyanto also highlighted how the separatist group often disrupts the social life of the people in Papua, hindering daily activities, including education, economy, and public services. Security forces, with the support of the community, continue to try to ensure that the situation in Bumi Cenderawasih remains conducive.
Increasing cooperation between the central government and security forces in Papua is essential to suppress the destructive activities of these separatist groups. The Papuan people, who have long desired peace and development, are very hopeful that security efforts can be effective so that disturbances from these separatist groups can be minimized.
The government, in this case, is also expected to immediately take firm steps to resolve the ongoing conflict, while maintaining the continuity of ongoing development.
With full commitment from the TNI, Polri and BIN and support from the community, it is hoped that Papua can return to being a peaceful and advanced region. Security forces must remain vigilant and strengthen security efforts for the future of the young generation in the region nicknamed the Little Heaven in Eastern Indonesia. Stable security will provide an opportunity for Papua to develop and contribute more to national development.
Senior Researcher on Papuan Issues – Papua Mandiri Institute for Social and Political Studies
