The Importance of Cooperation between the OAP Community and Security Forces to Realize Stability in Papua
By: Isak Wambai
Security stability in Papua, or often dubbed as “Little Heaven that Fell to Earth”, is a crucial issue for all Indonesian people. The existence of separatist groups such as the Free Papua Movement (OPM) has long been a threat to peace in this region.
However, behind all the challenges, close cooperation between the Indigenous Papuan (OAP) community and the security forces is one of the main keys to maintaining peace and stability in Bumi Cenderawasih.
For years, the government and security forces have continued to strive to create a conducive situation in Papua. Although separatist groups from Bumi Cenderawasih often try to disrupt order through acts of terrorism, security forces from all ranks, including the TNI, Polri and BIN, have consistently prioritized a persuasive approach by involving the local community. Harmonious cooperation between the OAP community and security forces plays an important role in reducing threats from troublemaking groups in Tanah Papua.
Commander of Task Force Yonif 509 Kostrad, Lieutenant Colonel Inf Dian D Setyadi, explained that his party was actively intensifying joint patrols with the Police in various regions, including Intan Jaya.
This patrol aims to prevent potential security disturbances that are often exploited by terrorist groups that are enemies of the state. According to Lieutenant Colonel Dian, good cooperation between security forces and the OAP community is not only important to maintain stability, but also to build mutual trust that has been the foundation of peace. By involving the community in security efforts, conflict can be minimized, and potential disturbances from separatist groups can be suppressed.
The importance of effective communication between the community and security forces was also emphasized by the National Police Chief’s Logistics Assistant, Inspector General Pol Prabowo Argo Yuwono. According to him, every security problem that occurs in Papua must be able to be communicated well at the community level, as well as to the security forces.
Dialogue is key to easing tensions and preventing conflict escalation. When the OAP community feels they have access to communicate directly with the authorities, various issues can be resolved immediately before they develop into bigger problems. This shows that active community involvement in maintaining local security is very important to create a conducive situation.
On the other hand, the role of the government in involving the OAP community cannot be ignored. President Joko Widodo, on various occasions, has always emphasized that the indigenous Papuan community must be involved in every development program.
The government, according to the Head of State, is committed to providing fair and equal opportunities for the OAP community in driving the wheels of the economy in Bumi Cenderawasih.
Through various development programs involving local communities, social disparities that have been one of the triggers of jealousy and potential conflict can be eliminated. This is an important effort in realizing long-term peace in this region.
The involvement of the OAP community in government programs and cooperation with security forces has also had a positive impact in suppressing the influence of separatist groups.
Terrorist groups such as the OPM often use social discontent as a propaganda tool to gain support. However, with the increasingly equitable development in Papua and the active involvement of the community in the process, the arguments put forward by these separatist groups are losing their relevance.
People who feel involved in the development process and feel the direct benefits of government programs will be more difficult to influence by the propaganda of the troublemaking gangs in Papua.
In addition, dialogue and coaching programs involving OAP community leaders also play an important role in reducing potential conflict. Traditional and religious leaders are often effective bridges between the community and security forces.
This approach that respects local customary values shows that security is not just about enforcing the law, but also about building strong relationships and mutual respect between all elements of society.
Despite the various efforts that have been made, the challenge of maintaining stability in this Little Heaven that Fell to Earth remains. The OPM gangs, although increasingly under pressure, continue to find ways to disrupt order.
However, by continuing to strengthen cooperation between security forces and the Papuan Indigenous community, the potential for this disruption can be minimized. Full support from local residents is an important key in combating threats from terrorist groups that are enemies of the state.
More than just a short-term effort, this cooperation must continue in the long term to ensure peace in Bumi Cenderawasih. Every element of society, from the government, security forces, to the OAP community, has its own role in realizing sustainable stability.
Active community involvement in security efforts not only helps suppress external threats, but also strengthens social ties among Papuans themselves.
Thus, the importance of cooperation between the OAP community and the security forces cannot be underestimated. Through dialogue, effective communication, and involvement in the development process, the Papuan people will increasingly feel involved in the nation’s journey.
Ultimately, this harmonious cooperation will be the foundation for the realization of true peace in Papua, eliminating the shadow of terror from separatist groups that have been a threat to peace in this Little Heaven that Fell to Earth.
