Beware of OPM Provocations After Police Officer Shooting, Incite Community to Create Chaos
By: Charles Tabuni )*
The shooting that killed Briptu Kiki Supriyadi in Puncak Jaya, Papua, became a new point of provocation by the Free Papua Movement (OPM) against the local community. Lekagak Telenggen, the leader of the attack, proudly claimed responsibility for the action.
Not only that, through its spokesman, Sebby Sambom, the group openly incited Papuans to engage in attacks on security forces and the Indonesian government. This provocative effort is a serious threat to stability in Bumi Cenderawasih.
Puncak Jaya Police Chief, AKBP Kuswara, emphasized that his party immediately responded to this incident by conducting searches in a number of locations suspected of being the base of the separatist group.
Strict steps will be taken to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators. Security at various strategic points in Puncak Jaya has also been increased to prevent possible follow-up attacks.
The Puncak Jaya Police Chief emphasized that law enforcement will be carried out in accordance with applicable regulations, emphasizing the government’s stance that it will not allow the terrorist gangs who are enemies of the country to continue to spread terror in the region nicknamed the Little Heaven that Fell to Earth.
The provocation carried out by the OPM not only created physical threats, but also triggered social unrest in Papuan society. Papuan traditional figure, Herman Yoku, strongly condemned the sadistic actions carried out by the group.
According to him, OPM often exploits local people’s sentiments under the pretext of fighting for independence, when in reality not all Papuans support the separatist movement. Herman reminded that most Papuans want peace and progress, not prolonged conflict.
OPM is considered not only to create political instability, but also to violate Human Rights (HAM) by oppressing civilians. Herman assessed that the group continues to manipulate society to attack the government, but this action is more detrimental to Papuans themselves.
The Papuan Customary Figure called on the OPM to stop the violent actions that do not provide benefits to the Papuan people. Herman also invited all levels of society in Puncak Jaya not to be incited by the group’s provocation and to continue to maintain conduciveness for the sake of creating a safe and prosperous Papua.
OPM attacks are not a new phenomenon in the Papua region. The separatist group has repeatedly carried out acts of violence targeting security forces, health workers, and civilians.
TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto revealed that the OPM, which was previously called the armed criminal group (KKB), now mostly uses the name West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB).
Their actions remain terror and violence. Agus Subiyanto stated that the TNI will take firm action against any action carried out by the group. For him, there is no room for terrorism and rebellion in a sovereign country.
General Agus also underlined how the group had committed various forms of violence, including the murder of educators and health workers, as well as attacks on members of the TNI and Polri.
According to him, the government will not remain silent as OPM continues to undermine security in Papua. He firmly stated that the state will not allow the separatist group to create a state within a state. Law enforcement and security in Papua will be strengthened in order to maintain the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
The government and security forces continue to strive to ensure that the Papuan people can live in a peaceful and safe atmosphere. With the provocation launched by the OPM, it is important for all elements of society not to be incited and to adhere to the principles of peace. As expressed by Herman Yoku, the Papuan people want development rather than prolonged violence.
The central government, under the leadership of President Joko Widodo, also continues to focus on development in the Papua region. A number of infrastructure projects and economic policies have been launched to ensure the welfare of the people in the region nicknamed the Golden City.
In addition to physical development, the government is also committed to improving the quality of life of the Papuan people through various inclusive social and economic programs. With this approach, it is hoped that conditions in Papua will be more conducive and the community can feel the benefits of more equitable development.
In this context, the role of local communities is very important. Their participation in maintaining peace and supporting government development programs will help reduce the influence of separatist groups that continue to try to disrupt order.
With synergy between the community, government, and security forces, it is hoped that the conflict caused by the OPM can end soon, and Papua can achieve a better future without violence.
The provocation launched by the OPM after the shooting of Briptu Kiki Supriyadi clearly aims to create chaos and worsen the security situation in Papua. However, the group’s efforts must be faced with firm legal force and support from peace-loving communities. The Papuan people, who have been the main victims of the prolonged conflict, deserve a safer and more prosperous life under the auspices of the Republic of Indonesia.
)* The author is a Papuan student living in Jakarta