By: Olivia Sabo
Conditions in Homeyo District, Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua, are now back to being conducive after joint forces succeeded in securing the area. Residents who were previously displaced have returned to their homes. This is clear evidence of support for the acceleration of development in Papua.
The efforts of the security forces in restoring security and order in Homeyo should be appreciated. Papuans are expected to continue to support these steps for the progress of their region.
The situation in Homeyo District was previously shaken by attacks launched by the Free Papua Organization (OPM). Starting from the attack on the Homeyo Police Station on April 30 2024 which killed a teenager, Alexsander Parapak, to the burning of the Inpres Pogapa Elementary School building on May 1, and the attempted attack on Koramil 1705-05/Homeyo on May 2 2024. This series of actions had caused Residents must evacuate for their own safety.
However, the courage and dexterity of the joint TNI apparatus, especially the TNI Operations Command (Koops TNI) Habema and the Nanggala Kopassus Task Force, succeeded in restoring order in a short time. With intensive security operations through patrols and pursuit of OPM members, conditions in the Homeyo District were successfully stabilized. The evacuation of Alexsander Parapak’s body was also carried out well.
Lt. Col. Arh Yogi Nugroho, Koops Habema information officer, revealed that after this quick action, regional security operations continued to be carried out intensively. The joint apparatus consisting of various units under Koops TNI Habema, Nanggala Kopassus Task Force, and Intan Jaya Preparatory Kodim continue to patrol and take action against any threats that arise. As a result, on May 18 2024, residents who had been displaced finally returned to their homes.
The return of these residents is not only a sign of the return of a conducive situation, but also a symbol of joy and a sense of security. They showed their gratitude by dancing the traditional dance ‘WAITA’ on the runway at Perintis Pogapa Airport. This is a moment that shows that the residents of Homeyo have regained the calm and security they longed for.
Homeyo District Secretary, Hengki Bagubau, expressed high appreciation to the joint forces for their efforts. He expressed his gratitude for the authorities’ success in creating safe conditions that allowed residents to return from refugee camps.
Similar awards were also conveyed by local community figures, including Markus, Chair of the Homeyo GKI Classis Church, Yansen Bagubau as a Catholic Pastor, and Mama Martina Bagubau who represents Homeyo women.
This success was also welcomed by a number of civil airlines that use Perintis Pogapa Airport. The smooth resumption of airport operations indicates that security conditions have completely recovered.
A civil caravan type aircraft even managed to land and take off without a hitch on the same day, proof that aviation activities were returning to normal.
TNI Lieutenant General Richard TH Tampubolon, Commander of Kogabwilhan III, stated that the actions of this joint apparatus were a real contribution in supporting the acceleration of Papua’s development. By securing the Homeyo District, returning residents from refugee camps, and re-operationalizing the Pogapa Pioneer Airport, the joint forces have created conditions that support the development process.
This shows that security is an important foundation in regional development efforts, especially in conflict-prone areas such as Papua.
It didn’t stop there, the Habema Operations Task Force also established a field school in Homeyo as a response to the burning of SD Inpres Pogapa by the OPM. The establishment of this school was carried out with the full support of the local community who helped clean up the burned school site.
This step was taken to ensure that the teaching and learning process which had been stopped could resume quickly, giving new hope to children in the Homeyo District.
With the hard efforts of security forces and community support, the teaching and learning process at field schools can resume. The conducive situation allows citizens to carry out their activities safely, and this is a significant step forward in ensuring that education continues even in the midst of challenging situations.
Lt. Gen. Richard Tampubolon emphasized that the joint security forces will continue to strive to provide a sense of security for the residents of Homeyo District, ensuring that they can live and carry out their activities without fear.
The attacks launched by OPM since the end of April, which caused casualties and damage to educational facilities, have been successfully contained with quick and decisive action from the joint forces. Now, with conditions again conducive, the people of Homeyo District can continue their lives with a sense of security and optimism.
The success of the security forces in securing Homeyo and returning residents from refugee camps is a reflection of their commitment and dedication in maintaining stability in the Papua region. This concrete action not only provides a sense of security for the community, but also encourages accelerated development in the area.
With a conducive situation, the hope of realizing a more advanced and prosperous Papua is getting closer. Let’s support these efforts together for a better future for Papua.
*) Law student at Yapis University, Papua
