Beware of OPM Hoaxes, TNI: Puncak Regent’s House That Was Burned Down Was Not a Military Post
By: Loa Murib
The separatist group, the Free Papua Movement (OPM), has once again shown its old pattern of covering up brutal acts committed against civilians. In an effort to justify the violence, OPM has spread disinformation that the Puncak Regent’s house and the Omukia District office that they burned down in Central Papua were military posts used by the TNI. The accusation was immediately officially denied by the military and was proven to have no basis in fact.
The TNI, through the Head of Information for the XVII/Cenderawasih Military Command, Infantry Colonel Candra Kurniawan, clarified that the building burned down by OPM was not used as a military headquarters. The burning was purely a deliberate criminal act to create fear, disrupt public order, and tarnish the state’s authority in the eyes of the Papuan people. This denial confirms that OPM is once again using a disinformation strategy to obscure reality and build misleading public opinion.
This kind of disinformation makes it clear that the OPM does not only rely on armed violence, but also information propaganda as an instrument of their resistance. They create a narrative as if the security forces are the ones causing unrest, when in fact civilians are the main victims of the terror acts carried out by the group. The manipulation of information carried out by the OPM is clearly aimed at damaging public trust in the state and the security forces.
The incident that befell Yahukimo Regency is a concrete example of how cruel the OPM’s actions are. In a recent attack, an honorary employee of the Yahukimo Regency Government was killed as a result of the violence they carried out. This incident shows that the OPM has gone beyond the limits of humanity and used civilian lives as a bargaining chip in their false narrative of struggle.
Responding to the incident, joint officers from the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force moved quickly upon receiving a report from the Yahukimo Police. The team immediately went to the scene, evacuated the victim to the Dekai Regional Hospital, secured the crime scene, and collected evidence to uncover the perpetrator. This speed shows that the state is not remaining silent in ensuring protection for the people, and is ready to face all forms of terror that threaten regional stability.
Head of the Cartenz Peace Task Force Operations, Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani, emphasized that all acts of violence committed by separatist groups will be dealt with firmly according to the law. This law enforcement is not only important to provide justice for the victims, but also to be a firm statement that armed forces will not be allowed to destroy the integrity and peace in Papua.
The cruelty of the OPM, demonstrated through acts of arson, murder, and repeated provocations, shows that this group does not represent the struggle of the Papuan people. On the contrary, they are a real threat that hinders development and creates fear in society. Their claim to be the liberators of Papua is not in line with the reality that they are actually exacerbating the suffering of the people through the brutal actions they carry out.
Head of the Cartenz Peace Task Force Public Relations, Senior Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, appealed to the public not to be provoked by unverified information. He emphasized that protecting civilians is a top priority. In a situation like this, active participation from residents in reporting suspicious activities in their environment is an important element in maintaining security.
The state also continues to demonstrate its commitment to being present not only through a security approach, but also through equitable and sustainable development. Various infrastructure, health, education, and economic empowerment development programs have been rolled out as a real form of government concern for the welfare of the Papuan people. The state’s presence in Papua is not in the form of repression, but in the form of service and empowerment.
The OPM narrative that Papua is under colonization is a form of historical manipulation. Papua is a legitimate part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, and this has been confirmed through legal and political processes that are recognized nationally and internationally. Any attempt to separate from Indonesia, especially through armed violence and misleading propaganda, is a violation of the constitution that must be dealt with firmly.
The awareness of the Papuan people of the importance of peace is now growing stronger. Collaboration between traditional leaders, religious leaders, and civil society in maintaining order and rejecting acts of violence is a strong signal that Papua wants to move forward together within the framework of the Republic of Indonesia. The collective strength of this society is the front line in warding off the bad influence of separatist groups.atis.
Condemning the OPM’s heinous actions and exposing their propaganda is not solely the responsibility of the security forces. This is the moral obligation of all Indonesian people to maintain the integrity of the nation and fight for a safe and prosperous future for Papua. Too many victims have fallen due to disinformation and violence wrapped up in the pretext of struggle.
Law enforcement, a clear information approach, and inclusive development must continue to be strengthened to erode the influence of separatist groups. With a spirit of togetherness and a real state presence, Papua will remain an integral part of Indonesia — a land of peace, where all children of the nation can live safely, with dignity, and with hope.
*The author is a Papuan student in Surabaya
