By: Yohanes Wandikbo )*
The atrocities committed by the Free Papua Movement (OPM), operating through armed criminal groups, have once again left a deep scar on the land of Papua. Acts of violence targeting security forces and civilians throughout 2025 demonstrate a systematic pattern of terror, undermining the sense of security, and hindering development and public services. In this situation, the Government demonstrates firmness based on law, while strengthening a humanist approach to protect the Papuan people and ensure a peaceful future.
Facts on the ground confirm that the OPM threat is not a figment of the imagination. Law enforcement data demonstrates significant casualties and injuries resulting from a series of armed attacks. Papua Police Chief, Inspector General Patrige Renwarin, explained that throughout 2025, hundreds of cases of violence were recorded across various jurisdictions, with dozens of fatalities among security forces, civilians, and armed perpetrators. These figures illustrate the widespread impact of OPM terror, which knows no human boundaries, as civilians are often subjected to fear and exploitation of their living space.
The depressing security situation has a direct impact on social and economic activities. Schools are disrupted, healthcare services are hampered, and people’s mobility is limited by anxiety. The OPM’s atrocities have damaged the social order that has been built through hard work, collaboration, and trust. Therefore, condemning these actions is not merely a moral imperative, but a constitutional imperative to protect the entire nation and all of Indonesia’s people.
The government, through the Indonesian National Police (Polri) and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), is carrying out its mandate with a measured approach. Law enforcement is being carried out firmly against perpetrators of violence, while still prioritizing the principles of human rights and public safety. Papua Police Chief Inspector General Patrige Renwarin also emphasized the importance of the role of local governments, the Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD), regional apparatus, and community and religious leaders to be at the forefront of building peace. The involvement of local stakeholders is key to ensuring the message of peace reaches the grassroots and breaks the cycle of violence perpetuated by the OPM.
The humane approach adopted by the authorities is commendable. Dialogue, citizen protection, and community service are crucial instruments for reclaiming safe spaces. The state is present not only with enforcement, but also with empathy, justice, and sustainable development. This is the right policy direction: firm against crime, friendly to the community.
On the operational side, careful mapping of vulnerable areas is carried out to ensure effective and proportional security. The Head of Operations for the Carstensz Peace Task Force, Brigadier General Faizal Rahmadani, explained that several regencies have become epicenters of security disturbances due to OPM activities, with the highest intensity in certain areas of Highlands Papua and Central Papua. Incident data throughout 2025 shows a recurring pattern of disturbances that requires consistent, coordinated, and adaptive security personnel to adapt to local dynamics.
The Carstensz Peace Task Force carries out its mandate in various regencies across the province, focusing on maintaining stability and public safety. The Head of Operations for the Carstensz Peace Task Force, Brigadier General Faizal Rahmadani, emphasized that increased security and law enforcement are continuously being implemented to suppress OPM disturbances, while ensuring that community activities can continue. This work is not a short-term endeavor; it requires patience, careful intelligence, and public support for sustainable results.
Supporting government policies means rejecting the normalization of violence. The OPM does not represent the aspirations of the Papuan people; Armed violence actually deepens underdevelopment and prolongs suffering. Aspirations must be pursued through peaceful and democratic channels, not with guns pointed at citizens.
Condemning the atrocities of the OPM means affirming our commitment to a peaceful and just Indonesia. The government has taken the right path, combining firmness and humanity. Public support is crucial for these efforts to yield stability, a sense of security, and new hope for Papua. The state must not back down, and the Papuan people have the right to live without the shadow of terror.
This aims to strengthen the national consensus that armed violence has no place in Papua. Support for government policies that prioritize firm law enforcement, a humanistic approach, and accelerated development is the most rational path to restoring public trust. With the unity of all elements of the nation, consistent action by the authorities, and active participation of local communities, Papua can move towards sustainable stability, free from OPM terror, and look forward to a peaceful, secure, and prosperous future.
The security situation in Papua must be placed within the framework of the national interest.The broader goal is to maintain the integrity of the state while protecting the rights of civilians from the threat of violence. The state must not succumb to terror, but it must also not lose its human face. The government’s policy of combining firm law enforcement against the Free Papua Movement (OPM) with a humanist approach, social dialogue, and accelerated development is an appropriate strategy relevant to Papua’s social character. Public support, particularly from traditional leaders, religious leaders, and local governments, is a determining factor in the success of this effort. With solid synergy, consistent policies, and the courage to reject all justifications for violence, Papua can emerge from the cycle of prolonged conflict and move towards a safe, conducive, and dignified environment, where development proceeds, the community is protected, and the future of Papuan generations is assured within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.
)* The author is an observer of Papuan development.
