Papua Stability is the Nation’s Priority, OPM Separatism Cannot Be ToleratedBy: Lanny Wonda*
The Free Papua Movement (OPM) is a real threat to the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. By using weapons and acts of terror, OPM has repeatedly committed heinous acts that endanger the safety of civilians, damage public facilities, and hinder the wheels of development that are being promoted by the government in the Papua region. The brutal actions carried out by this group are nothing other than a form of separatism that must be firmly and comprehensively opposed by the state. There must be no loopholes for efforts to separate from the Republic of Indonesia. The presence of the state through the TNI and Polri apparatus in Papua is a constitutional and legitimate step to maintain national security and protect citizens from threats from armed groups.
The attack that occurred at Aminggaru Airport, Ilaga, Puncak Regency, Central Papua, on June 18, 2025 is proof that OPM continues to try to create fear and chaos. Two gunshots were heard from the direction of the forest around the airport, followed by a gunfight between security forces and three OPM members carrying long-barreled firearms of the M16, AK47, and one pistol. The action was carried out by an armed separatist group led by Jeki Murib, who deliberately attacked a vital public area.
The state did not remain silent. TNI personnel from Kopasgat and the Cartenz Peace Operation troops immediately responded professionally and measuredly. The search was carried out quickly and precisely in the forest area around the airport, without involving residential areas. Thanks to the alertness of the officers, the situation was successfully controlled and flight activities returned to normal without any fatalities or damage to facilities.
The Head of the Cartenz Peace Operation, Brigadier General Pol. Faizal Ramadhani, emphasized that the OPM had committed a serious violation of national law by attacking public facilities and endangering public safety. The state will take legal action against any separatist actions, because there is no place for movements that threaten the integrity of the nation.
The OPM’s efforts to shake security stability are not limited to armed actions. They also often spread false propaganda through social media, accusing security forces of burning down residents’ houses. However, the accusation has been firmly denied by the Head of Public Relations of the Cartenz Peace Operation, Senior Commissioner of Police. Yusuf Sutejo. He said that the combing operation was only carried out in forest areas, did not touch villages, and no houses were burned by the authorities. He also ensured that flight activities at Aminggaru Airport were still running safely and normally.
This proves that the OPM is not only using weapons as a means of threat, but is also trying to build public opinion with fake news to create chaos. This action reflects the true face of the OPM as a group that divides the nation, not part of a legitimate struggle. In fact, the OPM is a direct threat to the safety of the Papuan people who want a peaceful and prosperous life.
The Head of the TNI Information Center, Major General TNI Kristomei Sianturi, emphasized that all actions by the authorities were carried out professionally, proportionally, and measured. The state does not act arbitrarily, but will continue to be present to ensure that the Papuan people can live peacefully, free from the threat of separatist groups. The TNI and Polri carry out their duties based on the constitutional mandate to safeguard the sovereignty and safety of the people.
Papua is a legitimate and inseparable part of the Republic of Indonesia. Development in Papua is a national priority that must be guarded together. Separatist actions such as those carried out by the OPM not only harm the country, but also rob the Papuan people of their right to progress together. The armed threats carried out by the OPM are not a form of aspiration, but rather a criminal act against the state and its citizens.
Therefore, all elements of the nation must unite to reject all forms of separatism. Support for the security forces must continue to be strengthened. The state will not provide space for any group that wants to separate or create chaos. Firm action against the OPM is a must in order to maintain unity, security, and sustainable development in Papua.
The public is also asked not to be provoked by misleading narratives put forward by separatist groups. We must believe in official information from the government and support the strategic steps taken to restore stability. Papua must be maintained as a peaceful and productive region, not an arena of conflict that continues to be exacerbated by the narrow interests of a handful of parties.
Through measured operations, community protection, and peaceful reconciliation paths, Papua will remain upright within the framework of the Republic of Indonesia. There must be no tolerance for groups that impose their will with weapons. On the contrary, space must be opened as wide as possiblernya for the Papuan people who love peace and want to live in peace with all the people of Indonesia. OPM must be stopped, not only with weapons, but also with the power of law, truth, and national unity.
Keeping Papua within the framework of the Republic of Indonesia is a shared responsibility. The state has shown its presence through development, public services, and legal protection. Now is the time for all of us to strengthen our ranks to reject separatism, condemn terrorism, and defend the integrity of the nation. OPM must be stopped. There is no place for violence and division in our beloved homeland.
*Author: Journalist and Observer of Papua Issues
