By: Amos Kainama Yanuar )*
The government and security forces continue to strive to protect citizens from threats from armed groups such as the Free Papua Organization (OPM). The Papuan people understand that OPM is a common enemy that must be eradicated to achieve peace and development progress on the Earth of Cendrawasih.
OPM has again acted to create security disturbances in Papua. The incident adds to the long list of atrocities committed by the OPM against civilians in Papua. On June 10 2024, a shooting incident occurred which resulted in the death of a civilian in Kopo Village, East Paniai District, Paniai Regency, Central Papua. The shooting victim was Rusli, a 40 year old driver who lives in Madi, Paniai Regency.
In his statement, Kapendam OPM’s actions in spreading fake news aim to manipulate information. After shooting Rusli, the armed group burned the victim’s body and his vehicle, showing a very inhumane act.
This action illustrates how cruel and barbaric the actions carried out by the OPM are, which continue to cause suffering and fear among the Papuan people. This action shows that OPM continues to spread fear and suffering among the Papuan people through barbaric and inhumane actions. This brutal act not only reflects the cruelty of the OPM armed group, but also highlights how important the presence and active role of security forces is in maintaining stability and order in Papua.
Meanwhile, Head of the Cartenz Peace Public Relations Task Force AKBP Bayu Suseno stated that Rusli’s body had been evacuated to Timika on June 12 2024 and then flown to Makassar to be buried in his hometown. This shooting and burning action was carried out by an armed group led by Undius Kogoya. When it launched its action, this group consisted of ten KKB or OPM members.
Apart from that, Habema Koops Information Officer Lt. Col. Arh Yogi Nugroho confirmed that the attack was carried out by the Undius Kogoya Group which operates in the Intan Jaya, Paniai and Puncak regencies. This incident shows that the OPM or KKB continues to carry out acts of violence against unarmed civilians, further demonstrating the cruel and barbaric nature of the group. Lt. Col. Arh Yogi Nugroho also explained that the joint security forces immediately responded to this incident quickly and in a planned manner.
Despite facing gunfire from OPM members, the joint security forces moved quickly and effectively to the scene to evacuate Rusli’s body. Using coordinated military tactics, they succeeded in breaking through all obstacles, including blocked roads and gunfire from armed groups, to take the victim’s body to Madi Regional Hospital. The alertness and good coordination of the security forces shows their dedication in maintaining security and protecting the Papuan people from acts of violence carried out by the OPM.
The evacuation process was not easy because apart from facing attacks from the OPM, the officers also had to pass through a blocked road. However, their courage and alertness finally paid off with the successful evacuation of Rusli’s body. Photos from the scene show security forces complete with bulletproof vests and helmets, as well as TNI and Polri tactical vehicles around the burning car.
This incident not only shows the cruelty of the OPM but also the resilience and alertness of the security forces in dealing with emergency situations. OPM’s action of shooting and burning civilians is a clear violation of law and human rights. However, the quick response from the security forces in evacuating the victims deserves appreciation.
Rusli, a resident from Makassar, South Sulawesi, died as a result of OPM’s brutal actions. This tragedy once again confirms that the OPM is a common enemy for the Papuan people and all Indonesian people. This incident also reminds us of the importance of cooperation between security forces and the community in facing threats from armed groups who want to separate themselves from the Republic of Indonesia.
The bitter experience experienced by Rusli and his family should not be ignored. This incident should be a reminder to all parties about the dangers that the Papuan people face every day. Violent actions by OPM continue to create a difficult situation in Papua, especially for civilians who become victims for no apparent reason. The existence they demonstrate has proven to create a threat to civil society. This must stop so that people are not intimidated by them.
The presence of security forces in Papua is very important to maintain public order and security in the region, this is also to prevent more victims from falling as a result of acts of violence carried out by OPM Papua. The government and security forces must continue to strive to protect citizens from threats from armed groups such as OPM. The bitter experience experienced by Rusli and his family should not be ignored. This incident should be a reminder to all parties about the dangers that the Papuan people face every day.
In the face of increasing threats, collaborative efforts between the government, TNI and Polri are urgently needed to protect civilians and restore a sense of security in the region. In addition, there needs to be a more holistic approach to resolving the conflict in Papua, including constructive dialogue and empowerment of local communities, in order to reduce support for extremist groups and create sustainable peace.
Thus, this incident is clear evidence of OPM’s cruelty, this group has become a common enemy of society, therefore there needs to be firm and measurable action and community support to create a peaceful, safe and prosperous Papua.
)* The author is a Papuan student living in Jakarta
