Young Intellectual Leader from Papua Highlands Voices Support for Security Enforcement Against OPM and Development in Papua
Papua – A prominent young intellectual from the Papua Highlands, Charles Kasuay, has expressed strong support for the government’s efforts to enforce security measures against the Free Papua Movement (OPM) while also encouraging the acceleration of development in the Papua region. According to him, security stability is the fundamental pillar for achieving progress and prosperity for all Papuan communities.
In his statement, Charles Kasuay firmly condemned the acts of violence committed by the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), the armed wing of OPM, describing them as unacceptable and clear violations of human rights.
Kasuay highlighted recent incidents in Air Garam, Asotipo District, Jayawijaya Regency, where TPNPB members reportedly carried out a shooting targeting construction workers at a GKI church site.
“The actions taken by TPNPB cannot be justified or praised by anyone. They clearly violate the right to life and basic human rights. Moreover, these violent acts have occurred in several areas such as Yahukimo, Intan Jaya, Puncak, and other regions,” he stated.
According to Kasuay, the violent actions of the TPNPB have created a climate of fear and trauma among local residents, disrupting their daily activities such as farming, working in offices, and other livelihoods.
He urged the people of Papua, especially those living in the highland regions, not to be easily swayed by separatist narratives often circulated by certain groups through social media platforms.
“Listening to such provocative narratives will only hinder our development. Therefore, when we encounter such messages—whether in WhatsApp groups, communities, or family gatherings—we must not accept them blindly. Instead, we should process the information carefully and wisely to avoid panic and misinformation,” Kasuay explained.
He also called on TPNPB and affiliated groups to cease all actions that disrupt the lives of ordinary citizens. These actions, he noted, do not only target construction workers but have also affected teachers and healthcare workers in the region.
“These people are humanitarian workers who have come to Papua to support human resource development, healthcare services, and infrastructure. Taking their lives is an unforgivable, inhumane, and fatal act,” he asserted.
Charles Kasuay appealed to all Papuans to continue placing their trust in law enforcement officers to carry out their duties in accordance with existing laws. This, he emphasized, is crucial in ensuring that criminal acts by TPNPB or other groups seeking to undermine development are dealt with firmly and lawfully.
Furthermore, he encouraged the people of Papua to support development programs initiated by the local, provincial, and national governments to fulfill the aspirations of Papuans in building a better future.
Support from young leaders like Charles Kasuay is seen as vital in fostering a renewed spirit of peace, security, and prosperity in Papua. Voices from local intellectuals serve as crucial bridges to strengthen collaboration between Papuan communities and the government in pursuit of a brighter, more unified future.
