By: Loa Murib
In the midst of the long-standing conflict in Papua, the Free Papua Organization (OPM) often uses the tactic of spreading hoaxes to trigger instability and worry in society. The hoax spread by OPM is not only misleading, but also has the potential to trigger further conflict and disrupt security and peace in the region. For this reason, it is hoped that the public will not fall for the hoax issues spread by OPM to create commotion.
One of the hoaxes spread by OPM is the claim that there was a shootout between the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) and the Indonesian military in Ilaga, Papua, on 27-29 June 2024. Head of the Cartenz Peace Operations Task Force, Police Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani, firmly denied this report. According to him, up to now there have been no reports of gunfire in Ilaga.
This statement was made in response to claims from the National Command of the West Papua National Liberation Army (KOMNAS TPNPB) which stated that there had been gunfights for three consecutive days in Ilaga. The claim also mentions the use of a drone equipped with a mortar bomb, resulting in serious injuries to a civilian. However, this statement was strongly denied by the Cartenz Peace Task Force, which confirmed that there were no reports or evidence to support this claim.
Another hoax spread by OPM was the news that joint TNI-Polri officers were expelling patients and closing the Emergency Room (IGD) at Madi Hospital, Paniai Regency, Central Papua. Head of Information for the XVII/Cendrawasih Regional Military Command (Kapendam), Lt. Col. Inf Candra Kurniawan, called the news fake news that was deliberately spread to create a commotion.
According to Candra, the presence of joint forces at Madi Hospital was to protect the health facility from threats from the OPM, who allegedly intended to burn down the hospital. According to him, currently, TNI officers from Infantry Battalion (Yonif) 527 are helping to secure the Madi Paniai Regional Hospital, because there were complaints from the public that OPM gangs were going to burn down the Regional Hospital.
Candra also explained that several misleading narratives circulating on social media, including the issue of child patients being forced to look for other hospitals and RSUD doors being barred, did not match the facts. The hospital itself has denied the news and explained that the doors were barred to prevent the loss of medicines and medical equipment.
OPM also spread false news about the murder of a TNI soldier, Serka Rusli, who they claimed was killed and burned along with his car in Kopo Paniai, Papua, on June 11. This news was spread via X’s social media account @Revolutions1977, but was immediately denied by the authorities.
Head of the Indonesian Army Information Service, Brigadier General Kristomei Sianturi, confirmed that Serka Rusli was still alive and carrying out his duties as usual. The person who was actually killed was a taxi driver named Daeng Rusli from Makassar. According to him, OPM’s cruel and inhumane actions towards civil society clearly violate serious human rights.
Kristomei also emphasized that the @Revolutions1977 account had provided false information to the public, aimed at causing fear and chaos. This news is confirmed to be a hoax. Serka Rusli is currently in good health and still serving at Battalion 753/AVT.
The spread of hoaxes by OPM not only disturbs the public, but also disrupts security stability in Papua. These hoaxes give rise to panic, distrust and even the potential for horizontal conflict among people. Apart from that, these hoaxes also complicate the efforts of the government and security forces to maintain order and safety in the Papua region.
In dealing with the spread of this hoax, the role of the mass media and the public is very important. Mass media is expected to be able to present accurate and verified news, while the public needs to be more critical in receiving information circulating on social media. The government and security forces also need to increase transparency and communication with the public to avoid misunderstandings.
People who fall for hoaxes become more easily influenced by separatist propaganda, which in the end can worsen the security situation in Papua. Hoaxes can also cause economic and social losses, such as stopping business and educational activities due to unfounded fears. The public needs to be educated on how to recognize and verify the information they receive. Good media literacy will help people not easily believe in information whose source is unclear. Apart from that, the mass media must play an active role in presenting accurate and verified news. They must also be quick in clarifying incorrect information to prevent further spread of hoaxes.
The spread of hoaxes by OPM is a serious threat that the public must be aware of. These hoaxes are not only misleading, but can also trigger instability and unrest that is detrimental to all parties. Therefore, it is important for the public to be more critical in receiving information, and for the government and mass media to play an active role in preventing the spread of hoaxes. With good cooperation between all parties, it is hoped that security and peace in Papua can be maintained, and people can live with a sense of security and peace.
*The author is a Papuan student living in Surabaya
