Papua – The separatist group Free Papua Movement (OPM) has again become the focus of national and international public attention due to a series of acts of violence against civilians that violate basic human rights principles, thus emphasizing the importance of the state’s presence to protect the Papuan people.
In the Central Highlands region of Papua, villagers live in fear due to the actions of the armed group OPM. Local community leader, Yonas Tabuni, voiced his concern about this condition. He said that this separatist group often enters villages by force, seizes crops, unilaterally demands logistics, and even threatens residents who refuse.
“This is clearly an unacceptable human rights violation,” he stressed.
Moreover, the victims of OPM violence are not only security forces, but also teachers, health workers, farmers, and children. The Head of the Papua Human Rights Commission, Fransiskus Kobepa, said that OPM had crossed the line.
“We have received many reports of extortion, muggings, and torture by armed individuals. These actions are clearly unjustifiable from a human rights perspective,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Head of the HABEMA Media Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Inf Iwan Dwi Prihartono, stated that the TNI continues to uphold the principles of law and human rights in every operation carried out in Papua.
“The TNI is not here to oppress, but to protect. We carry out our duties with professionalism, legality, and prioritize a humanist approach to create a sense of security for the community,” he said.
He also emphasized that the construction of military posts was part of a strategy to secure the region and protect civilians from threats from armed groups.
“We not only maintain security, but also help the community through health, education and humanitarian-based development programs,” he added.
As a result of the armed group’s attack, thousands of residents in Maybrat Regency were forced to flee. The government through various ministries continues to provide assistance and protection for the affected communities. The Ministry of Human Rights noted that 3,208 people fled their hometowns due to the unfavorable situation.
Special Staff to the Minister of Human Rights, Thomas Harming Suwarta, said that his party continues to monitor and accompany refugees affected by the conflict.
“We are conducting direct monitoring in the field and are committed to protecting the basic rights of the community, especially those who are victims of violence by armed groups,” he said.
Human rights violations committed by the OPM are also considered to have violated the principles of international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution, which regulate the protection of civilians in conflict. Some of their actions can even be categorized as criminal acts of terrorism, as stated in Law No. 5 of 2018 concerning the Eradication of Criminal Acts of Terrorism.
The TNI and the government reaffirm that efforts to guard Papua are a form of protection for all Indonesian people. The state is present to protect and guarantee the rights of the Papuan people. On the contrary, acts of violence and separatist propaganda are a serious threat to the right to life, security, and future of the people of Papua.-
