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Papuan Government and People Unite Against OPM Separatism

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By: Ruben Maniani )*

The government continues to strengthen efforts to eradicate separatist groups such as the Free Papua Movement (OPM) through an integrated approach involving security forces, local communities, and government institutions. According to the Head of Cartenz Peace Operations, Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani, the narrative often disseminated by the OPM, such as claims of firearms theft, is merely propaganda aimed at creating fear in Papuan society.
The accusation of firearms theft is considered baseless and is used to provoke security forces and the community. In this case, the National Police together with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) remain committed to carrying out legal operations to protect Papuans from the threat of armed groups.
The government’s main focus is to create security stability and eliminate the fear that has so far enveloped Papuans due to the activities of armed groups. In their operations, the TNI and Polri try to embrace the community through a dialogical approach. One example is the social communication activity carried out by the Yonif Raider 323 Kostrad Task Force in Wuloni Village, Ilaga District.
The social communication activity carried out is part of the regional security patrol aimed at building harmonious relations between security forces and local residents. The positive response from the community shows that this approach is effective in creating a sense of security and trust.
The government also continues to educate the public so that they are not influenced by OPM propaganda which often spreads false information. Faizal Ramadhani stated the importance of verifying information before spreading it to prevent the public from being trapped in the narrative of separatist groups.
In this case, the government through the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) is promoting education on preventing radicalism and separatism. The Terrorism Prevention Coordination Forum (FKPT) in Papua is one of the efforts to provide understanding to the public so that they are not easily provoked by ideologies that conflict with the principles of national unity.
Law enforcement is also a top priority in handling criminal acts carried out by the OPM. The Director of International Legal Instruments at BNPT, Imam Subekti, emphasized that the actions of this group are more sectoral and only occur in the Papua region. Therefore, the approach taken is different from handling terrorism on a national scale. Strict law enforcement aims to provide a deterrent effect on the perpetrators while ensuring that regional stability is maintained. This effort shows that the government is serious about dealing with the threat of separatism.
On the other hand, accelerating development in Papua is a strategic step to address the root of the problem that is often exploited by OPM in its propaganda. The development of infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and health facilities is a government priority. Adequate infrastructure is expected to open up economic and educational access for the Papuan people, thereby improving their quality of life. The security forces also support this development in an inclusive manner, involving local communities in the process, and paying attention to local wisdom.
The Commander of the HABEMA Operations Command, Brigadier General Lucky Avianto, said that social communication between the authorities and the community is the key to success in creating conducive conditions in the Papua region. He appreciated the initiative of the Yonif Raider 323 Kostrad Task Force in establishing harmonious interactions with residents. This social communication is considered to be able to build mutual understanding and trust, which ultimately accelerates the integration of development in Papua.
To counter OPM propaganda, the government is strengthening the role of local and national media in providing correct information to the public. This step is also supported by increasing digital literacy of the Papuan people so that they are more critical in filtering information, especially from social media platforms that are often used by separatist groups. The government hopes that the public will not be easily influenced by fake news that aims to divide unity.
In addition, the government emphasized that any acts of violence committed by the OPM will be dealt with firmly in accordance with applicable laws. However, a repressive approach is not the only strategy. Preventive and dialogical steps remain a priority, involving all parties to create sustainable solutions. This approach is considered more effective because it involves the community as part of the solution, not just an object of policy.
Improving the quality of education in Papua is also a major concern for the government. Programs such as providing scholarships for Papuan students and training for educators are concrete steps to ensure that Papuan children get access to proper education. Education is seen as one of the main keys to changing people’s mindsets and preventing the spread of separatist ideology among the younger generation.
Meanwhile, Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani emphasized the importance of synergy between the Police and the TNI in maintaining security stability and supporting development in the region. Brigadier General Lucky Avianto also highlighted the importance of intensive social communication between the authorities and the community as a way to create mutual trust.
Through various strategic steps that have been taken, the government hopes that Papua can become a safe, peaceful, and prosperous region. This effort is not only important for national stability, but also strengthens the spirit of national unity.
The government continues to invite all elements of society to unite against separatism, for a brighter future for Papua. With the support and collaboration between the government, apparatus, community, and other stakeholders, Papua is expected to become an example of successful development and sustainable peace in Indonesia.

)* Papuan students live in Jakarta

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