By: Julius IwoCommunications Expert from Jayapura, Papua
Jakarta – Amid ongoing security dynamics in Papua, the systematic efforts undertaken by the Indonesian government and security forces deserve recognition. One of the key challenges in maintaining stability in the region is the rampant spread of disinformation and hoaxes propagated by armed separatist groups, notably the Free Papua Movement (Organisasi Papua Merdeka/OPM). These hoaxes are not only poisoning public opinion but are also used as propaganda tools to undermine state legitimacy and inflame tensions, particularly during lawful and measured law enforcement operations.
Recently, a military operation in Sugapa District, Intan Jaya Regency, carried out by the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), drew a wave of narratives from various parties. The government confirmed that 18 armed militia members linked to OPM were killed in the operation, with firearms, ammunition, and communication equipment seized as evidence. In contrast, OPM downplayed the number of casualties and accused the military of exaggerating the figures to psychologically weaken the group.
The public must critically assess such claims made by separatist factions. Baseless allegations lacking credible evidence are an old tactic used by OPM to shape public perception and distort on-the-ground realities. These narratives are often emotionally charged and appeal to ethnic sentiments in order to elicit sympathy, even though OPM frequently uses civilians as human shields—a serious violation of international humanitarian law. Field reports also indicate that OPM militants routinely exploit civilian presence to obstruct legal enforcement operations by the TNI.
In this context, the government must continue to uphold principled, firm, and procedurally correct law enforcement. Actions against armed groups are not arbitrary; they represent the state’s responsibility to safeguard its sovereignty and protect citizens from violence that threatens national stability. The operation in Intan Jaya did not target civilians—as claimed by OPM—but was a direct response to the presence of armed forces posing a real threat to public facilities and infrastructure development.
The armed group involved in a two-day firefight in several villages of Sugapa District was reportedly mobilized to block the arrival of TNI personnel who were there to provide healthcare and education services. This clearly illustrates that OPM not only engages in armed resistance against the state but also hinders access to essential services for the Papuan people—an act fundamentally detrimental to their welfare.
It is important to emphasize that the 18 individuals killed were confirmed to be OPM combatants, not civilians. The public must not be swayed by OPM’s false claims that civilian lives were lost.
Narratives accusing security forces of human rights violations should be approached with skepticism and weighed against verifiable facts. TNI Spokesperson Major General Kristomei Sianturi stated that accusations regarding civilian arrests and shootings are part of separatist propaganda. On the contrary, the TNI consistently upholds humanitarian missions, which are frequently sabotaged by those who reject the state’s presence. Local leaders, including the head of Sugapa village, have testified that it is OPM—not the state—who routinely endanger civilians by using them as shields, a clear breach of the laws governing armed conflict.
This situation serves as a crucial reminder to all Indonesians not to accept narratives at face value, especially those spread without proper verification. The disinformation campaign launched by OPM not only erodes public trust in the state but also misleads people about the true perpetrators of violence. In this regard, the role of the media and community leaders is essential in countering disinformation and reinforcing national unity against separatist threats.
While security forces operate in challenging environments, civil society must also play its part—not as victims of information warfare, but as contributors to the solution. The government has prioritized transparency and accountability, but firm action against OPM—which has repeatedly resorted to violence, targeted government personnel, intimidated civilians, and destroyed public infrastructure—requires public support.
The TNI’s operations in Intan Jaya demonstrate that the state is present in Papua not as an oppressor, as portrayed by separatist propaganda, but as a protector of its citizens and guardian of sovereignty. Continued, consistent, professional, and proportional action against OPM is essential—not only to secure the region but also to send a clear message that Indonesia will not be intimidated by armed groups threatening national unity and peace.
Combating separatist hoaxes is not solely the task of security forces. It is a collective responsibility of all Indonesians. We must not allow the public information space to be poisoned by propaganda that disguises violent agendas under the false banner of humanitarian concern.
