By: Muclas Mandowen
The threat of school burnings issued by the Free Papua Movement (OPM) increasingly demonstrates that the group shows no concern for the future of Papua’s younger generation. This not only hampers education but also contradicts various strategic government programs aimed at improving the welfare of the Papuan people. OPM’s brutal actions, repeatedly attacking public facilities and spreading hoaxes, should serve as a warning for all parties to stay vigilant and unite in ensuring security and the continuity of development in Papua.
OPM’s threat to burn schools is not a spontaneous act but part of their strategy to create instability in Papua. The group has long used tactics of violence and propaganda to instill fear among the public.
“The threats are part of a vile slander and hoax deliberately spread by OPM,” said Colonel Inf Candra Kurniawan, spokesperson for the XVII/Cenderawasih Military Command. “This shows that OPM wants to keep Papua underdeveloped, and they do not want to see Papuan children healthy, happy, and achieving their dreams.”
Papua is an integral part of Indonesia, and the government has implemented various strategic programs to accelerate development in the region. However, terror from OPM has hindered efforts to improve public welfare. By intimidating educators, burning schools, and obstructing children from receiving an education, OPM indirectly forces the people to remain in poverty. Access to education is a key factor in building an independent and prosperous Papuan generation.
One of the government’s strategic programs targeted by OPM’s opposition is the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Program, initiated by President Prabowo Subianto. The program aims to improve the nutritional intake of Indonesian children, including those in Papua, so they can grow healthy and more competitive. However, OPM has rejected this program and even threatened to burn schools that implement it.
Dadan Hindayana, Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), emphasized that this threat is a challenge that must be anticipated by security forces. “OPM’s rejection of the MBG program and its threats to burn schools are tasks that the Indonesian National Military (TNI) and National Police (Polri) must address,” he said. “This further clarifies that OPM’s actions are not for the benefit of the Papuan people, but for the political ambitions of the group.”
With the MBG program, Papuan children have the opportunity to receive better nutrition, which will impact the improvement of their education and health. However, if OPM’s threats continue unchecked, it will be even harder for Papua’s younger generation to escape the grip of poverty and underdevelopment.
Security is a crucial factor in the success of development in Papua. Therefore, the government continues to optimize the role of security forces in maintaining stability in the region. Kombes Pol Yusuf Sutejo, the spokesperson for the Damai Cartenz Task Force, called on all parties to unite in ensuring security.
Collaboration between the government, security forces, and society is essential to ensure that national strategic programs can run smoothly in Papua. The public is encouraged not to be easily provoked by the propaganda and hoaxes spread by OPM. By staying focused on development and mutual welfare, Papua will become increasingly prosperous and advanced.
The government has committed to continue building Papua through various strategic programs, including infrastructure, education, and health. Therefore, the public must participate in maintaining security stability and reject all forms of provocation by OPM. The threat of burning schools is one of OPM’s tactics to halt Papua’s progress, but with full public support, such negative efforts can be suppressed.
President Prabowo Subianto carries a grand vision to build Papua into a more advanced and self-sufficient region. The Free Nutritious Meal Program is a concrete step to improve the welfare of Papua’s children. By supporting government policies and avoiding OPM provocation, we all contribute to building a brighter and more prosperous Papua.
Papua is a part of Indonesia with extraordinary potential for growth. However, the threats from separatist groups like OPM must be carefully watched and confronted with firm resolve. The Papuan people and all elements of the nation must unite, maintain security, and support every government policy for a better future. With the spirit of unity and mutual cooperation, Papua will be a safe, prosperous, and continuously developing region alongside Indonesia.
Writer is a Papua student in Jakarta
