Prevent the Entry of Logistics and Guns to OPM, Security Forces Tighten Patrols
By: Ensy Wamena
Security forces continue to tighten patrols aimed at preventing the entry of logistics and firearms (senpi) to the Free Papua Organization (OPM). Thus, with the tightening of patrols from the security forces, it has made it difficult for the OPM to obtain logistics or smuggle illegal rifles which they use to attack and carry out many barbaric acts on indigenous Papuan civilians (OAP).
If the Free Papua Organization has difficulty accessing logistics and is also difficult to obtain supplies of rifles, then it is not impossible that this will also reduce their actions so that the separatist groups that are enemies of the country can be more controlled.
The XIV Sorong National Army Naval Base (Lantamal) continues to increase patrols, especially around the bay and sea waters to prevent the possibility of logistics and firearms entering the OPM. Regarding the tightening of patrols, Deputy Commander (Wadan) Lantamal XIV Sorong, Coloner (Mar) Rio Sukanto said that they were taking this step in an effort to continue to maintain security and order throughout the Papua region.
Therefore, security forces continue to increase patrols and also carry out checks on various ships to avoid the possibility or potential of unwanted things from happening, including one of which is preventing ammunition, weapons and other logistics from entering the OPM.
As far as carrying out their duties, all members of Lantaman XIV, whether carrying out patrols or inspecting ships, always use and comply with standard operating procedures (SOP). Not only that, but apart from inspecting weapons and logistics suppliers, Lantamal Sorong also checks the completeness of documents for ships entering Indonesian waters in general, as well as Papuan waters in particular.
If, for example, during an inspection of ship documents carried out by security forces, it turns out that officers find documents or letters that are incomplete, or permits that are no longer valid, then of course Lantamal Sorong will immediately try to help the fishermen or the ship. There will be an inspection from all security forces. Regarding ship documents, this is an important thing, because it aims to ensure and promote the safety of the fishermen themselves, especially when they are in the middle of the sea.
Furthermore, the security forces also invited all communities and fishermen to be able to contribute positively in providing information related to the existence of ships that could be suppliers of weapons or ammunition to the OPM group. Support and cooperation from all elements of society is something that security forces really need. So that citizens should be able to play an active role in providing information regarding the supply of weapons to the Free Papua Organization via maritime routes so that later the security forces can take immediate and very firm action against it.
In fact, this is not the first time that security forces have attempted to close all logistics routes as well as weapons or ammunition from terrorist gangs which is very disturbing for the entire people of Bumi Cenderawasih.
On another occasion, the Infantry Battalion Task Force (Satgas Yonif) Mechanized Raider 411/Pandawa Army Strategic Command (Kostrad) succeeded in disrupting the supply of two firearms (senpi) and logistics that were to be sent to Nduga Regency, Papua Mountains. Regarding the success of thwarting the logistics smuggling, the Head of Information for the Joint Regional Defense Command (Kapen Kogabwilhan) III, Colonel Czi Gusti Nyoman Suriastawa, said that he had confiscated two long-barreled firearms, types M4 and AR 15, including an air rifle, a solar cell and other logistics that OPM Nduga will use.
The security forces are truly tireless in bringing about peace among the Papuan people, which aims to provide a sense of security for all citizens in remote areas of the archipelago, including the Land of Cenderawasih.
In other parts of Papua, Commander of the Joint Regional Defense Command (Pangkogabwilhan) III, Lieutenant General (Letjen) TNI Richard TH Tampubolon said that his party together with the Indonesian National Police (Polri) were trying to provide a sense of security to residents in Pogapa village, Homeyo District, Regency. Intan Jaya, Central Papua from OPM interference.
Security forces have taken various approaches in their efforts to create a sense of security so that people can carry out normal activities without any feelings of worry, anxiety or fear of attacks by the Free Papua Organization.
One of the security forces’ efforts is not only to take firm action against the OPM, but also to take preventive measures, namely by preventing the entry of logistics and supplies of guns to the separatist gangs so that they do not have any supplies and experience difficulties. Steps to break the supply chain of the country’s enemies occurred by tightening patrols.
*) Economics and Business Students at Cenderawasih University (Uncen)