By: Edward Krey) *
The separatist movement in Papua seems to want to increasingly demonstrate its existence, Three armed separatist groups in Papua have declared that they have formed the West Papua Army (Papuan West Army). While independence supporters activists say they are now ready to “take over our country”.
Armed rebel groups have been acting alone in their efforts to become independent from the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. This month also marks 50 years that Papua is part of the Indonesian state.
The West Papua Army is rumored to be under the command of the umbrella organization of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), led by Benny Wenda from exile. ULMWP has been taking political and diplomatic ways to achieve Papuan independence.
“Politically and militarily we are united now. The international community now can no doubt see that we are ready to take over our country,> “as quoted on the ULMWP website.
Papua, which now shares an island with Papua New Guinea, is in the grip of a long-standing conflict of independence.
Dr Camellia Webb-Gannon, coordinator of the West Papua Project at Wollongong University in Australia, said that the formation of the West Papua Army marked a significant union between political and military activists.
Observers also warned that the latest developments could increase tensions with the Indonesian military.
Dr. Webb-Gannon, once members of the armed independence movement increase their activity or appear more in West Papua, the Indonesian military will respond.
“It also puts pressure on the international community to dismiss the narrative about West Papua,” he said.
ULWMP Spokesman Jacon Rumbiak said the formation of the West Papua Army united political, intelligence and military wings into a diplomatic group that would push forward the independence campaign.
“This union will show Indonesia and the world that we West Papuans are ready to get independence today,” he said.
“Our military will automatically be under the full control of a commander. We have a very clear agenda to become the best freedom fighter, “Jacob said.
The three united armed groups included the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNB) which attacked a construction site in December and killed 31 people. The attack triggered brutal crackdowns by the Indonesian military in the region.
Previously in May 2019, the Battalion 328 / DGH Pamtas Task Force secured six sympathizers of armed separatist groups from the West Papua Revolutionary Army (TRWP) organization on the Papua – Papua New Guinea (PNG) border. They were then taken to the Pamtas Task Force Post for further examination.
The Battalion 328 / DGH task force commander, Major Inf Erwin Iswari, said that the security of the TWRP sympathizers began when members of the Task Force at the Kotis Batas post carried out routine checks on the RI border crossers – PNG. .
“When examining six crossers from PNG, members of the Provost Task Force, Praka Purnomo found a number of agendas as well as one Handy Talki unit, which was related to TRWP,” Erwin said in his written release at Keerom, Papua.
The officer then secured the six people to the Pamtas Task Force Post for further examination. After being explored by the Intel Team, it turned out that the group was divided into two groups, namely the leader of ZW (38) and leader A (48).
The Intel team that finished checking the six people then gave them an understanding. The team conveyed that the actions they committed were wrong and contrary to the applicable rules.
“We also emphasize that Indonesia is now independent and Papua is a part of Indonesia, therefore, it does not exist in a country’s standing,” he said.
In addition, the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia from Sabang to Merauke has been recognized by countries throughout the world and has obtained legality by the UN’s highest world body through UN Resolution 2504, and until now the resolution has never been corrected or even revoked.
Some observers also suspected the formation of the West Papua Army as a unilateral claim from Benny Wenda whose strength was doubtful in supporting the pro-independence campaign.
) * The author is a student from Papua
