By: Kodumange Kabiyay *(
The Free Papua Movement (OPM) is increasingly divided and abandoned by its followers. Many of its members have decided to surrender themselves back to the bosom of the motherland, realizing that joining the separatist movement was a big mistake.
Papua has been legally integrated with Indonesia through Papua. Although Pepera decided that the majority of Papuans wanted to join Indonesia, OPM continued to fight with the aim of separating themselves from the Republic of Indonesia. However, over time, the strength of this group has weakened, one of the reasons being that many of its members decided to leave OPM. Recently, two OPM members, Natalis Watora and Engel Feneteruma, surrendered to the TNI in Kaimana. Both were part of the Somb Winan battalion led by Jonair Waga. They admitted the suffering they experienced while joining the group, including food shortages that eventually drove them to flee.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Inf. Chairil Suhanda, Commander of Military District 1804/Kaimana, the confessions of the two former members provided valuable information about the OPM attack plan in the Yonif 764/IB area. This information allows the security forces to prepare better and prevent possible attacks. This proves that the surrender of OPM members is not only beneficial for them personally, but also helps the government in dealing with threats coming from the OPM.
In addition, the trend of surrenders such as those carried out by Natalis and Engel shows that many OPM members are consumed by propaganda that does not correspond to reality. They joined in the hope of gaining prosperity, but ended up living in fear and deprivation. As a result, more and more members decided to flee and surrender to the security forces. This condition has further eroded the strength of the OPM, especially since most of the members who surrendered are still young, leaving only older and less energetic members to continue the resistance.
This situation has a major impact on the decline in morale in the OPM. Former members who surrender often tell their experiences to their families and communities. This bitter experience makes people who were previously interested in joining the OPM finally refuse, because they realize that being part of the group will only worsen their suffering.
One of the main factors that weakened the OPM was their inability to meet the basic needs of their members. The economic conditions of this group have worsened, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world. Many OPM members were starving and often went down the mountains to rob residents. However, most of them eventually decided to give up because they felt that joining the OPM would only bring misery.
In addition to internal problems, inter-group conflicts within the OPM have also weakened their strength. A civil war has occurred between different factions within the OPM, which has not only disturbed the Papuan people but has also drained the group’s resources. The ammunition and manpower wasted due to this internal conflict have increased the opportunities for the TNI-Polri apparatus to paralyze their movements.
Further evidence of OPM’s weakness can be seen in the circulating video, which shows hundreds of former OPM members coming down from the mountains and declaring their loyalty back to the Republic of Indonesia. This moment was welcomed by the Regent of Puncak Regency, S Yan Bidana, and the security forces in the area.
The role of the TNI in maintaining security stability in Papua has also been strengthened by the formation of the Vulnerable Area Buffer Infantry Battalion in five regions of Papua, which was recently inaugurated by TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto. This battalion has two main tasks, namely maintaining security in vulnerable areas and supporting infrastructure development and food security in the region. With this battalion, it is hoped that security stability in Papua will be increasingly guaranteed, and the OPM’s strength will be increasingly isolated.
Former Commander-in-Chief of the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM), Lambert Pekikir openly appealed to the Papuan people to create security and order ahead of the 2024 simultaneous regional elections. Pekikir firmly rejected separatist activities that could divide the Papuan people. He emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation to maintain stability in the region.
Deputy Chairman II of the Papuan People’s Assembly (MRP), Max Abner Ferdinan Ohee also expressed his view that security and stability in Papua are the main priorities, especially ahead of the simultaneous Pilkada. According to him, anyone who lives in Papua is obliged to maintain peace and jointly oversee the Pilkada process. This statement is in line with the government’s efforts to create a peaceful and conducive environment in Papua.
With the weakening of the OPM and increasing support for maintaining stability in Papua, hope for peace and progress in Papua is increasingly open. The success of the government and security forces in suppressing the separatist movement, coupled with the growing awareness among former OPM members, is a strong signal that Papua will continue to develop under the auspices of the Republic of Indonesia.
*(The author is a Papuan student in West Java
