The burning of the Okbab State Middle School building in the Bintang Mountains Regency, Papua Mountains by the Free Papua Organization (OPM) on July 13 2024 has attracted serious attention from various parties, including the TNI who are currently pursuing the perpetrator of the arson. This act of terror carried out by OPM reflects an extraordinary crime which of course must be dealt with firmly. Firm action against the OPM which burned down schools in Papua was supported by many parties, as an effort to protect the future of Papuan children.
Kapendam XVII/Cenderawasih Lieutenant Colonel Inf Candra Kurniawan revealed that the burning occurred in Borban Village, Okbab District. This action was very unfortunate for local residents because the school is a place for children to gain knowledge. Lieutenant Colonel Inf Candra Kurniawan, regretted the inhumane act and strongly condemned the arson action which damaged educational facilities which could destroy the future of children in the local area. Currently, security forces are pursuing the OPM gang who carried out the arson. After carrying out the action, they immediately fled the location. Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih continues to be committed to maintaining security and order in this region.The OPM burning of schools was not the first incident. This action reflects OPM’s intention to destroy the future of Papuan children by blocking their access to education. Lieutenant Colonel Inf Candra Kurniawan stated that the children’s enthusiasm for learning in Borban Village was very high, and the OPM’s actions were deliberately carried out so that the children could not go to school, so that their future was threatened.
Head of Operations (Kaops) Peace Cartenz 2024 Brigadier General Pol Dr Faizal Ramadhani said that the school was allegedly burned down by OPM Memokon, Jender Siktaop alias Usoki, Aquino Kaladana, Yuni Mimin and Enos Kakyarmabin. According to him, OPM’s actions reflect an extraordinary crime that must be dealt with firmly. He emphasized that the security forces would make every effort to arrest and punish the perpetrators of this crime. The security forces guarantee that strict law enforcement will continue to be carried out to ensure security and order in the area.
In facing OPM’s actions, Papuan traditional leaders firmly voiced their rejection of OPM and emphasized the importance of unity and integrity within the framework of the Republic of Indonesia. Chair of the Sorong City Indigenous Community Institution (LMA), Fatrah M. Soeltief, emphasized that violence and separatism only bring suffering to the Papuan people and hinder development in the region.
Traditional leaders also stated that the OPM’s violent struggle was contrary to Papuan traditional values which uphold peace and mutual cooperation. They called on all Papuan people to unite in supporting development and reject all forms of detrimental violence.
OPM’s struggle through violence does not provide a better solution for the Papuan people. On the other hand, infrastructure development, education and health are urgent needs that are more meaningful for the Papuan people. The government has committed to accelerating development in Papua through various programs and policies, such as the Papua Special Autonomy (Otsus) program which aims to give greater authority to regional governments in managing development and public services.
In addition, the central government continues to strive to increase investment and infrastructure development in Papua, such as roads, bridges, airports and ports, to improve connectivity and accessibility in the region. In the field of education, the government has established various educational facilities ranging from elementary schools to universities, as well as providing scholarships to Papuan students and students to continue their education to a higher level. In the health sector, construction of hospitals and community health centers (Puskesmas) continues to be carried out to ensure that the Papuan people receive adequate health services.
The success of development in Papua does not only depend on government efforts, but also on the active participation of all elements of society, including traditional leaders. Support and cooperation from traditional leaders is very important in the success of various development programs and creating peace in Papua. Therefore, the active role of traditional leaders in rejecting OPM and supporting development is very crucial.
The firm statement of Papuan traditional leaders in rejecting the OPM shows their commitment to unity and integrity within the framework of the Republic of Indonesia. They realize that violence and separatism will only bring suffering to the Papuan people and hinder development in the region. With strong support and cooperation between the government, traditional leaders and the community, Papua can achieve the peace and prosperity it desires.
Firm action against the OPM burning down schools in Papua must be supported as an effort to protect the future of Papuan children and ensure the continuity of their education. Education is the key to improving community welfare and providing a better future for Papua’s young generation. By rejecting violence and supporting development, the Papuan people can work together to create peace and progress in their region. The active role of traditional leaders, government support, and community participation are very important to achieve this goal.
Eradicating OPM in Papua is also a very important step to ensure security, peace and prosperity for all Papuans. The acts of violence carried out by the OPM not only threaten stability, but also hamper development efforts that are urgently needed by society. Support from traditional leaders, the community and the government in eradicating OPM is the key to achieving peace and progress in Papua. By uniting, we can create a better future for all Papuans, where they can live safely, get a decent education, and enjoy the fruits of sustainable development.
