By: Noera Pigai
Papua currently still faces major challenges related to unresolved security issues. One of the most striking issues is the presence of the Free Papua Movement (OPM), a separatist group that has long sought to separate Papua from Indonesia through violence and terror.
The group not only attacks security forces, but also targets civilians who are considered to support the Indonesian government. As a result, these increasingly intense acts of terror have caused deep fear among the Papuan people. Residents living in conflict-prone areas live in uncertainty, not knowing when and where the next attack will occur. This has caused widespread unrest among the people who feel trapped in the middle of a conflict they did not choose.
Simon Telenggen, a Meepago Traditional Leader, said that Papuans have been victims of the conflict created by the OPM group for too long. Firm steps by security forces are essential to protect civilians from the ongoing threat of violence. Papuans no longer want to live in fear, they want their children to go to school in peace, and farmers to be able to farm without being haunted by fear.
The security disruption caused by these acts of terror has a direct impact on people’s daily lives. Many residents have been forced to flee their homes to avoid attacks, while those who remain must live in constant fear. Economic activities that previously ran smoothly are now hampered, because people cannot run their businesses in peace.
Farmers who rely on their land for survival are anxious to go to their fields, fearing they will be attacked. So is the tourism sector, which previously promised income for local residents. Disturbed security has made tourists reluctant to come, which in turn has harmed the local economy. In addition, damaged infrastructure due to the destruction and burning of public facilities has also made matters worse.
The main task of the government and security forces is to protect and ensure the security and welfare of all citizens, including those living in Papua. Maintained security, coupled with equitable development that directly involves the community, can be the foundation for creating a more lasting peace in Papua. The government must also be able to respond to the demands of the community by paying greater attention to resolving the Papua problem as a whole, not just in the scope of the conflict alone.
Amidst this uncertainty, Papuans have begun to voice demands for the security forces to act more decisively. They feel that attacks by separatist groups are increasingly damaging their lives and threatening their future. However, in addition to demanding decisive action, the people also want a more comprehensive solution.
Papuan Community Leader, Martinus Kasuay said that firm and tough action is important so that OPM does not act arbitrarily towards Papuan people. He hopes that the TNI-Polri can provide a deterrent effect to OPM so that the welfare and peace of Papuan people can be realized.
The community hopes that the government will not only rely on military operations, but also take a more humanistic approach. Many Papuans feel that they are not treated fairly, both in terms of development and in access to basic services. This dissatisfaction is one of the main factors that triggers tensions and worsens the existing situation.
Therefore, the Papuan people urge the government not only to focus on taking action against separatist groups, but also to improve social and economic conditions in the region. They want more equitable development, with special attention to the needs of the Papuan people who have often been neglected.
Pastor Lukas Wonda from the Evangelical Christian Church in Papua (GKI Papua), said all forms of violence are contrary to the values of faith and humanity taught by religion. His party supports the government and security forces to enforce the law, OPM must be stopped so that the community does not continue to be victims.
In order for this tension to subside, a more inclusive and dialogue-based approach is essential. Dialogue involving all parties, including the government, security forces, and the Papuan people themselves, needs to be conducted to find a long-term solution that can end this conflict. The government also needs to pay more attention to the welfare of the Papuan people, by ensuring that the development carried out truly benefits them.
In addition, improving the quality of education, health services, and basic infrastructure is also needed to improve the quality of life of the local community. All of this must be done with the aim of creating lasting peace, where the Papuan people can feel a safe, prosperous, and hopeful life.
The Papuan people now want certainty. They want to feel peace, prosperity, and a life free from the threat of terrorism and violence. However, for that, real steps are needed from the government and security forces to not only deal with acts of terror firmly, but also to ensure that inclusive and equitable development is a top priority. Thus, peace in Papua can be achieved, and the people can live their lives without fear and without the uncertainty that haunts them.
)* Public Policy Observer
