By : Jerome Maruna Kogoya )*
Bumi Cendrawasih, with its rich cultural heritage, diverse ecosystem and strategic location, is an integral part of the Republic of Indonesia past, present and forever.The existence of Papua itself is the basis of the identity of the Indonesian nation, which is known as a multicultural country. Because Papua is home to 255 different ethnic groups, each with its own unique and fascinating languages, traditions and customs, which enrich Indonesia’s cultural landscape and foster national unity amidst diversity.However, the existence of a separatist group called the Free Papua Organization (OPM) is trying to destroy the noble ideals of the Indonesian nation which wants unity and harmony in every life of the people of their beloved homeland.Based on cruelty, and a disregard for human values, this group is responsible for kidnappings, murders, rapes and destruction of infrastructure, aimed at destabilizing the region and attracting international attention. These acts of violence often target villages, schools and health facilities, causing fear among the community.Responding to this, the TNI Commander, General Agus Subiyanto, said he would take firm action against what the separatist group was doing. There are no countries within a country. This statement shows the firmness of a commander regarding the conditions currently being experienced by the Papuan people.Apart from that, efforts to send the TNI Polri to carry out strategic operations are seen as an effort to enforce the law of separatist groups which threaten the security and comfort of the people in Papua. The TNI has carried out various operations aimed at dismantling OPM defenses, arresting important figures, and neutralizing armed threats. Meanwhile, the National Police focuses on maintaining law and order, conducting investigations, and engaging in community policing to build trust in the local community.Apart from that, the Government has also invested in socio-economic development programs in Papua as a persuasive approach. Initiatives such as the 2001 Special Autonomy Law for Papua Province aim to provide the region with greater self-government and financial resources. The government has also poured funds into infrastructure projects, health services and education to improve the living conditions of the Papuan people. The hope was that by addressing economic problems and encouraging development, the appeal of the independence movement would diminish.Embracing Papua as an integral part of Indonesia through development programs underscores the Indonesian Government’s commitment to inclusiveness and pluralism, and emphasizes that the Indonesian Government is serious in its efforts to create equitable prosperity throughout Indonesia. The Papuan people appreciate the efforts made by the Government and the majority of them show their support for Indonesia.Many Papuan community leaders have voiced their support for the Indonesian Government. One of them is a tribal chief in the mountainous region of Papua named Markus Haluk who succeeded in gathering support from various tribes to jointly eradicate OPM. Together with other traditional leaders, Markus Haluk assisted the security forces in reducing the activities of the OPM group through anti-radicalism outreach, establishing security posts, and educating the public about the importance of maintaining security and order.Apart from that, there is a Papuan community figure, Abisai Rollo, who currently serves as Chair of the Jayapura City DPRD, who said that the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) is a fixed price for Papua and there is only one flag, namely the flag of the Red and White Saka.OPM acts of terror are still occurring to this day, and in the end they only cause misery to the Papuan people themselves. At the end of 2022, Sebby Sambom and his group expelled immigrants. Areas such as Ndugama, Intan Jaya, Puncak Jaya, Puncak Papua, Bintang Mountains, and Sorong-Maybrat are often used as war areas by the OPM led by Sebby Sambom. They burned and destroyed schools, health centers and other government facilities. Apart from that, OPM also shot down a number of planes such as Trigana Air and Dimonim Air.The actions taken by the OPM group never pay attention to and always oppose efforts towards a peaceful Papua. If one of the OPM groups starts to care about peace in Papua, they will be condemned as traitors and lackeys of the Republic of Indonesia. This was experienced by one of the senior OPM leaders named Lambert Pekikir who in 2014 declared the “Peaceful Keerom Declaration” and was ultimately blasphemed by OPM officials.What the Papuan people need is not independence through a biased and distorted patriotic struggle like that carried out by the OPM, but Papuan children need a proper education, young people need the opportunity to work, their mothers need a decent place to sell and men need the opportunity to earn a living. worthy to support his family.The government’s commitment to eradicate OPM must be seriously supported by every Indonesian citizen, including Papuans who are actually victims. Because the efforts made by the Government are driven by a sincere and strong desire to maintain national unity and regional integrity. This commitment is realized through a combination of military strength, socio-economic development and political strategy.)* Papuan students live in Manado
