By: Melki Douw)*
The cruelty of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) has once again revealed the true face of the armed separatist movement that has been a thorn in the flesh for the peace and progress of Papua. The brutal actions that continue to be carried out by the group not only tarnish humanitarian values, but also betray the spirit of national unity and the ideals of the welfare of the Papuan people. None of their actions reflect the struggle, all that exists is violence, terror, and obstacles to development.
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Attacks after attacks on civilians, such as the brutal murder of gold miners in Kali Silet, the burning of public facilities, and threats against teachers and health workers, are clear evidence that the OPM uses fear (terror) as a tool to maintain its existence. They are not fighters, but rather an armed terrorist group that is a direct threat to peaceful life in Papua.
Dandim 1715/Yahukimo, Lieutenant Colonel Inf Tommy Yudistyo, firmly denied the false narrative that OPM tried to build, which stated that the victims were members of the TNI. The real fact is, the gold miners who became victims were civilians who were working to earn a living peacefully. This statement also strengthens that OPM often twists information to justify the cruel actions they commit. Manipulation and lies have become their additional weapons, besides firearms.
Head of Cartenz Peace Operation, Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani, also explained that OPM continues to disrupt security in vulnerable areas. Attacks on civilians, teachers, and medical personnel show that OPM has no limits in spreading fear. Such cruelty can only be committed by a group that has lost its morality and humanitarian compass. They not only attack the physical citizens, but also damage the mental and psychological well-being of the Papuan people.
Deep sorrow continues to envelop the families of the victims and the wider community. Many children have become orphans, wives have lost their husbands, and residents have had to leave their hometowns to escape the terror of the OPM. This suffering is a direct result of the cruel actions of the separatist group that knows no mercy. The state must not allow a single act of violence like this to escape justice.
The government together with the TNI and Polri will continue to be present among the Papuan people to protect, serve, and ensure that a sense of security is the right of every citizen.
In the face of OPM’s cruelty, firmness is the only way. There is no room for tolerance towards armed groups that undermine the sovereignty of the state and endanger the safety of the people. The TNI and Polri have carried out their constitutional duties with full responsibility and professionalism. Every step taken has a noble purpose: to uphold the law, protect the people, and restore stability.
Head of the TNI Headquarters Information Center, Brigadier General Kristomei Sianturi, emphasized that a humanistic and dialogical approach remains the foundation of security operations. However, if public safety is threatened, then firm and measured action is a must. The territorial development approach continues to be implemented as a real form of the state’s presence in every corner of Papua, to ensure that no citizen feels abandoned.
The government is not sitting idle. President Prabowo’s leadership has shown a strong commitment to developing Papua as a whole. Through the construction of road infrastructure, bridges, schools, hospitals, and internet access in remote areas, the government has proven that Papua is a national priority. Affirmative policies such as Special Autonomy and Village Funds are a form of real state attention to improving the welfare of the Papuan people.
However, all these noble efforts will not be maximized if they continue to be blocked by armed separatist groups. The OPM is the main obstacle to the progress and prosperity of Papua. They do not bring solutions, but destruction. The violent and cruel actions they commit against teachers, medical personnel, and development workers, show that they have never sided with the Papuan people. They are not defenders, but destroyers of the future and peace.
The international community must open their eyes and see the truth. The actions of the OPM are not a political struggle or a right to self-determination. This is an act of terror that blatantly violates the law and human rights. The world must not be trapped in the propaganda built by a group that clearly makes violence its main path.
All components of the nation must unite to support the government and security forces in resolving the disturbances from the OPM. Strict law enforcement must continue, along with the acceleration of development and strengthening of social society. The TNI and Polri are the front guard in maintaining national sovereignty and security, and support for them is a moral obligation of all Indonesian people.
Condemning the cruel actions of the OPM is a form of defense of humanity. Supporting the firmness of the authorities is a form of siding with the Papuan people who want to live in peace and prosperity. The state is present not only as a security guard, but also as a servant of development and a guardian of hope.
Papua is an integral part of Indonesia. The Papuan people are fellow countrymen who have the same rights to experience progress and justice. With the firmness of the authorities, the commitment of the government, and the support of all Indonesian people, Papua will continue to move forward towards a peaceful, safe, and prosperous future.
)* Students from Papua live in Surabaya
