Ensure that Firm Action Against OPM Targets Armed Groups, Not Civilians, Government Works to Achieve Security Stability in Papua
By: Loa Murib
The Indonesian government’s efforts to uphold security stability in Papua demonstrate a strong and tangible commitment through decisive actions against the Free Papua Movement (OPM), which has long posed a threat to the nation’s sovereignty and the safety of civilians. Over the past week, the Operations Command (Koops) Habema, established by the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Commander General Agus Subiyanto, has successfully neutralized two key factions of the OPM in a precise operation based on accurate intelligence.
This success confirms that the state does not remain passive in the face of separatism that continuously undermines the peaceful lives of Papuan people. On May 10, 2025, a central figure of the OPM in the Yambi region, Nekison Enumbi, also known as Bumi Walo Enumbi, was killed in a TNI operation in Ilamburawi District, Puncak Jaya Regency, Central Papua. Enumbi had long been on the run for his involvement in a series of armed terror attacks in the region. Seized evidence, including ammunition, communication devices, and traditional weapons, showed that the OPM continues to arm itself to carry out violent actions.
Shortly after, on May 14, 2025, the TNI conducted another operation in Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua, killing 18 OPM members. These individuals were linked to the network led by Daniel Aibon Kogoya, Undius Kogoya, and Josua Waker. Clashes took place at several points, including Hitadipa District, where military forces also seized firearms, ammunition, and separatist paraphernalia such as the Morning Star flag. This serves as evidence that the OPM is not only threatening from the forests but is actively organizing to attack both civilians and government officials.
It is important to affirm that the 18 OPM members killed were not civilians, as claimed by OPM. These claims are deliberately spread by OPM to provoke distrust and undermine the government’s credibility among the people of Papua.
The success of Koops Habema is not only a victory for security forces but also for the people of Papua, who have long lived under the shadow of terror and intimidation from armed groups. This success aligns with the government’s efforts to protect civilians in Papua.
Letkol Iwan Dwi, the Media Task Force Commander of Koops Habema, stated that the operations against the OPM group were carried out in a measured and professional manner to ensure the safety of civilians. He emphasized that the military had successfully sterilized areas in Sugapa District from the presence of armed groups that had often resorted to violence against the local population. Iwan confirmed that the troops remain on high alert at strategic points to anticipate potential further attacks from other separatist groups. Letkol Iwan Dwi’s statement underscores that the TNI’s firm actions are not just responses to violent acts but a strategic step towards creating long-term security stability in Papua. By eliminating the presence of armed groups and securing evidence, the TNI demonstrates its commitment to maintaining order and preventing disruptions to development and daily life in the region. This effort is expected to restore public safety and pave the way for accelerated sustainable development in Papua.
These measures reinforce that the government is not solely focusing on military power but is employing a comprehensive approach to ensure a safe and peaceful Papua. By neutralizing separatist forces that jeopardize security, development can proceed smoothly, and the people can fully enjoy their rights as citizens.
Stability in Papua is crucial for equitable development, which the government has long aimed for. Infrastructure, education, and health programs will not reach remote areas if they continue to be overshadowed by the threat of violence from separatist groups. Therefore, decisive actions against the OPM are not violations but legitimate steps guaranteed by the constitution to maintain the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.
More than just a military response, the effort to neutralize separatist groups symbolizes the state’s presence for the people of Papua. Security is not merely the state’s agenda; it is every citizen’s right. When that right is violated by a small group spreading fear and destruction, the state must enforce justice to protect its people.
With the increasing success of the TNI in dismantling armed groups destabilizing Papua, hopes for peace and development are growing. This effort must continue to be supported by all elements of society, including the media and civil society organizations, so that the narrative of peace and stability in Papua remains the primary focus.
Firm action against separatism should be seen as a last resort after various dialogue approaches have failed. Armed separatist groups no longer represent peaceful aspirations but have become a direct threat to the safety of the people and the future prosperity of Papua.
Ensuring security in Papua means ensuring a future for the children of Papua, who have the right to grow up in peace, learn without fear, and live without danger. Through the TNI, the government continues to prove its seriousness in realizing a safe, peaceful, and prosperous Papua.
