By : Veronica Lokbere )*
The tragedy that occurred again in Papua, especially in Yahukimo Regency, provides a clear and unequivocal message: violence committed by the Free Papua Organization (OPM) cannot be tolerated any longer. The community also supports the security forces to quell the gang.
Their actions not only threaten security stability, but also take the lives of innocent civilians, and this should be strongly condemned. Society, government and all elements of the nation must unite in efforts to stop this barbaric act, because security and peace are the basic rights of every human being which must not be sacrificed on any basis.
On July 31 2024, an incident that shook the calm of residents in Yahukimo occurred again. Head of Public Relations of the Papua Regional Police, Police Commissioner. Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo, confirmed that the disturbance took the form of a gunshot attack targeting security personnel who were on guard at PT’s road and bridge repair project. Garanta. This attack occurred on the Kampung Massi road, Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency, and was a form of terror act that again showed the brutality of the OPM.
This brutal attack not only targeted security forces, but also targeted innocent civilians. Abdul Muzakir, a 29 year old worker, was killed in this incident. Abdul’s life was lost in a tragic and very unfortunate way, allegedly due to severe abuse carried out by the OPM. This atrocity adds to the long list of victims of violence that should not occur in this country.
The incident began when security personnel tasked with guarding the road repair project were attacked with gunfire aimed at heavy equipment at the location. This attack was no ordinary attack; this was a well-planned attack and deliberately carried out to create terror and chaos.
This action was further exacerbated by reports that not long after the attack, a truck carrying civilians was also the target of violence. The truck was blocked by a group of people who were strongly suspected to be part of the OPM, forcing the passengers to flee to save their lives.
Yahukimo Police Chief, AKBP Heru Hidayanto, explained that security forces immediately responded by conducting a search of the crime scene (TKP). However, the perpetrator had fled, leaving the dead victim and the burnt truck as silent witnesses to the atrocity that had just occurred. This incident once again highlights how dangerous the situation in Papua is and that civil society is the most vulnerable target in this never-ending conflict.
The government, through its security forces, has tried to suppress these acts of terror in various ways, including increasing vigilance and preparedness in vulnerable areas. The pursuit operation against the perpetrators continues to be carried out by joint personnel from the Yahukimo Police and the Cartenz 2024 Peace Task Force.
In this increasingly heated situation, the role of society is also very important. Active community involvement in reporting suspicious activity is key in preventing the recurrence of this type of tragedy.
However, the security forces’ efforts will not be effective without full support from the community and government. A more holistic approach is needed to resolve this conflict, which does not only rely on military force, but also dialogue and peaceful resolution involving all parties. Papua cannot continue to be a battlefield that sacrifices many lives, especially innocent civilians.
The situation in Yahukimo and other areas in Papua teaches us that security is a very fragile thing and can be disturbed at any time by inhuman acts of terror. It is important for all of us to condemn this violence and commit to working together to maintain peace and stability in Papua.
The government must pay more attention, not only by sending troops, but also by listening to the aspirations of the Papuan people and looking for a just and peaceful solution for all parties.
As a society that cares about humanity, we must unite in voicing our concern about the atrocities committed by the OPM. The international community must also play a role in putting pressure on this act of violence to stop.
There is no place for terror in this country, and we all have a responsibility to ensure that every corner of Indonesia, including Papua, is a safe place for all its citizens.
With this incident, the situation in Yahukimo and its surroundings is again on alert status. The public is advised to remain alert and cooperate with security forces. Security is a top priority, and together we can prevent violence from continuing. Keeping Papua peaceful is our collective duty, and this is the right time to show our solidarity in fighting the violence and terror carried out by the OPM.
We must remain optimistic that peace can be achieved. Papua is part of us, and every drop of blood spilled there is a wound for all of us. Let’s unite to condemn violence and ensure that peace and justice can be realized in the land of Papua. Together, we can stop this chain of violence and move Papua towards a better future.
)* The author is a Papuan student living in Yogyakarta
