By: Eleonora Wenda )*
For a long time, the existence of OPM has been criticized by the public because it continues to cause fear and disrupt social, economic and development stability in various regions. The security forces are strongly committed to eradicating OPM in order to maintain security and ensure sustainable development in Papua, as well as protect residents from the threat of prolonged violence.
Commander of Koops Habema, Brigadier General Lucky Avianto responded firmly to the threat of provocation by increasing security in the Homeyo area to ensure security stability and protect the local economy. However, the OPM threat continues to show its bad impacts, such as in the incident of burning a school building there. This brutal act not only damaged educational facilities, but also destroyed the hopes of Papuan children to get a decent education.
In addition, the hostage-taking carried out by OPM against workers at Puncak, Central Papua, shows how dangerous this group is. The hostage-taking not only creates fear, but also disrupts the ongoing development process in Papua. In fact, development is the key to improving the welfare of the Papuan people and opening wider access to various economic opportunities.
In some cases, the OPM threat has even forced people to flee their hometowns. In Paniai Regency, thousands of residents were forced to leave their homes due to fear of OPM attacks. This situation is very concerning, because people’s daily lives have been disrupted, and they have lost their sense of security in their residential areas. The OPM’s actions are clearly a real threat to social and economic stability in Papua.
Not only physically detrimental, OPM also has a negative impact psychologically. The fear caused by this group makes people live in anxiety and unable to live their daily lives normally. This condition is certainly very disturbing, because the Papuan people should be able to live safely and peacefully, without always being overshadowed by the threat of violence from separatist groups.
In the context of security, the existence of OPM has become a parasite for the Papuan people. The violent actions they carry out only prolong the conflict and add to the burden for people who actually want to live in peace. As Indonesian citizens, the Papuan people have the right to receive protection from the state and live a prosperous life. However, OPM continues to be an obstacle to achieving these goals.
Kapendam XVII/Cenderawasih Lieutenant Colonel Inf Candra Kurniawan stated that although the situation was initially tense, the security forces managed to restore calm. The success of the TNI and Polri in suppressing the OPM action deserves to be appreciated. Although provocations continue to occur, efforts to maintain order and protect civilians have yielded results. People who were previously displaced are now starting to return to their homes, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between security forces and residents in maintaining regional stability.
However, although the security forces have played an important role in maintaining order, the role of the community is no less important. The community’s rejection of the existence of the OPM is clear evidence that this group does not represent the voice of the majority of the Papuan people. In various regions, such as in Homeyo District and Intan Jaya Regency, the community has firmly stated its rejection of the OPM and is committed to maintaining security and unity in their region. This proactive attitude reflects the spirit of resistance against separatist groups that are considered a threat to the unity of Indonesia.
The inclusive approach taken by security forces, such as the TNI, in establishing communication with the community is also very important in maintaining stability in Papua. Through the approach of dialogue and social communication, the apparatus has succeeded in fostering a sense of nationalism and togetherness among the community. This approach not only strengthens the bond between the community and the security forces, but also helps create conditions that are more conducive to development in the region.
As part of Indonesia, Papua has great potential to develop and prosper. However, this potential will not be realized as long as the OPM continues to be an obstacle. The existence of the OPM only prolongs the conflict and complicates the development efforts being promoted by the government. On the other hand, if the Papuan people together reject the OPM and support development programs, then the hope of creating a more advanced and peaceful Papua will become more real.
The Papuan people have the right to live without fear and have full access to education, health, and economic opportunities. The presence of the OPM which always disrupts stability will only worsen the situation and prolong the suffering of the people. Therefore, it is very important for all elements of society, traditional leaders, and Papuan youth to unite against the OPM and support the government’s efforts to build a better Papua.
With the widespread rejection of the OPM by the people, the hope of realizing a peaceful and prosperous Papua is getting stronger. Through synergy between the security forces and the people, the disturbances caused by the OPM can be minimized, so that the Papuan people can return to living their normal lives and build a brighter future. The Papuan people deserve to live in peace, and the OPM as a parasite must be immediately removed from the Land of Cenderawasih.
)* Social Justice Advocacy – Cenderawasih Earth Human Rights Alliance
