By : Irawan Alam )*
One threat that often disrupts stability in Papua is acts of violence carried out by the Free Papua Organization (OPM). As an organization that claims to be fighting for Papuan independence, OPM is often involved in actions that harm society and threaten state security. In this context, supporting firm action against OPM is an important element in maintaining state sovereignty and security.
In recent years, Papua has experienced a number of violent incidents involving the OPM. These acts of violence not only caused material losses but also caused trauma for the community. Therefore, strict law enforcement against OPM is a necessary step to ensure that stability and security in Papua can be maintained. Security forces continue to take effective and measurable actions to overcome this threat, while still paying attention to human rights principles.
The firm action in question does not only take the form of military operations or law enforcement, but must also be balanced with a humanist and constructive approach. Dialogue and recovery efforts involving various parties, including Papuan community leaders and traditional leaders, are an important part of the broader strategy. Through this comprehensive approach, it is hoped that a situation that is conducive to resolving conflict and restoring stability in Papua can be created.
Head of Public Relations of the Cartenz-2024 Peace Task Force, Police Commissioner Bayu Suseno, said that the Free Papua Organization (OPM) had carried out attacks on civilians in Yahukimo Regency, Papua Mountain Province on Wednesday, July 31 2024. In this incident, one civilian named Abdul Muzakir was killed . The police found Abdul’s body covered in injuries.
Meanwhile, Abdul’s truck was burnt down and the 13 passengers in the back of the truck had not been found. According to him, there were six OPMs who carried out the attack. One of them was carrying an SS2 type firearm, while the other was carrying a sharp machete type weapon.
Firm action against OPM must be carried out in a professional and measurable manner. Security forces continue to ensure that their operations do not cause undesirable negative impacts on civil society. Strict monitoring and transparency in every action taken will help maintain public confidence in the government’s efforts to deal with this problem. It is also important to ensure that the principles of international law and human rights remain respected throughout the law enforcement process.
Head of Information for the TNI Habema Operations Command, Lt. Col. Arh. Yogi Nugroho said the existence of the OPM had caused unrest among the Papuan people. Violent actions carried out by this group, such as attacks on security forces, burning public facilities, and intimidation of civilians, have disrupted stability and development in Papua. Therefore, the government feels the need to take firm action to create more conducive conditions.
On the other hand, firm action against OPM must also be accompanied by efforts to address the root of the problems that caused the conflict in Papua. One important aspect in this case is resolving issues of social, economic and political injustice that may be the background to the conflict. The government continues to ensure that the rights and aspirations of the Papuan people are taken into account in every policy and program implemented. This will help create a sense of justice and ownership among the community, which can ultimately strengthen Papua’s sovereignty and integration within the Republic of Indonesia.
Therefore, Papuan Religious Leader, Pastor Yones Wenda invited all elements of society to work together to maintain the conduciveness of the Papua region so that it remains peaceful and can carry out its daily activities without fear of threats and intimidation from the OPM. The public must be calm and not be provoked by the provocation of hoax news that OPM deliberately spreads to discredit the security forces
As part of the national commitment to safeguarding state sovereignty, it is important to provide full support to the government’s efforts to deal with the threats posed by OPM. The wider community also needs to have a clear understanding of the situation in Papua and support the steps taken to maintain security and stability. Through cooperation and joint support, it is hoped that Papua can return to being a safe and peaceful region, and contribute positively to the development and progress of Indonesia.
Supporting firm action against OPM in Papua is an important step in maintaining state sovereignty and ensuring national security. With a professional, humanist and comprehensive approach, it is hoped that the situation in Papua can be improved and stability can be maintained. Support for government efforts, involvement of local communities, and resolving the root causes of conflict will be key to achieving sustainable solutions and building a better future for Papua and all of Indonesia.
)* Contributor to the Indonesian Institute for Strategic Information Studies
