JAYAWIJAYA – The region of Jayawijaya has once again witnessed the brutality of the Free Papua Movement (Organisasi Papua Merdeka, OPM) following a violent shooting of two workers involved in the construction of a house of worship, Rahmat Hidayat and Saepudin, in Kwantapo Village, Asotipo District. This heinous act not only claimed innocent lives but also desecrated a sacred place of worship and shook the conscience of humanity.
The attack on civilians further reinforces the reality that OPM has strayed far from any legitimate struggle. Rather than defending the Papuan people, the group has instead spread terror and inflicted deep wounds upon indigenous communities. Ironically, their propaganda is often disguised with false narratives and hoaxes aimed at distorting the brutal facts on the ground.
Jayawijaya Deputy Regent Ronny Elopere strongly condemned the act, emphasizing that the violence perpetrated by OPM does not represent the aspirations of the Papuan people.
“What they are doing is not a struggle—it’s murder that hurts all of us,” said Ronny.
He urged all elements of society and security forces to work together in maintaining peace.
“Our communities must not live in fear. We must resist this terror through unity and moral strength,” he added.
A similar sentiment was expressed by Reverend Eduard Su, Head of the Baliem Yalimo Klasis, who described OPM’s actions as an affront to religious values.
“Churches are meant to be places of peace, not battlegrounds of violence. This cannot be tolerated,” Reverend Eduard asserted.
He called on all believers to stand together in rejecting terror and to remain unaffected by separatist propaganda. According to him, OPM’s cruelty is a betrayal of the spirit of humanity and the spiritual values deeply rooted in Papuan society.
Meanwhile, Markus Murib, a survivor of the attack, shared his distress over the tense situation.
“We just want to live in peace, to work and worship without fear,” said Markus.
This tragedy highlights the growing rejection of OPM’s hateful narrative among the Papuan people. The power of the people now lies in their voice for peace and their collective stance against violence. It is a powerful signal that Papua refuses to be subdued by terror and is choosing the path of peace toward a dignified future.
