Papuan Figure Emphasizes Rejection of OPM’s Existence

By: Devaryo Valarie / student from Papua in Surabaya

Jayapura – The Free Papua Organization (OPM) is still a serious threat to the nation because it continues to carry out various acts of crime and terror, especially in the Papua region.

OPM’s actions have claimed many lives, both from civil society and security forces. They also carried out acts of damage to various public facilities and development projects that were being intensified by the government, thereby disrupting security conduciveness and stability in Papua.

Papua, which is the easternmost province in Indonesia, has experienced prolonged conflict with the OPM since the Dutch colonial period. OPM, which was founded in 1965, aims to gain independence for West Papua. This conflict has claimed many lives and caused ongoing tensions between the Indonesian government and separatist groups.

Community figure from the Kopkaka Tribe, Seradala, Yahukimo Regency, Yusak Weyo, opposes the violent actions often carried out by the OPM. According to him, the impact of the violent actions carried out by separatist groups has had an impact on society. People are always haunted by fear, because of the threats that OPM often makes.

Yusak Weyo is very worried that the community will become victims if there is friction between the authorities and the OPM. Yusak Weyo and the Kopkaka tribe community have expressed their stance against the presence of OPM in their area because their presence is very disturbing. He asked the community to join hands to maintain the security and social security situation in Yahukimo, considering that regional head elections will be held soon.

Tribal Chief and Community Figure of Ketengban, Bintang Mountains, Andarias Leppi, condemned OPM’s actions to disrupt social security and order by the OPM which resulted in casualties. Finally they killed the village head in Serambakom. He asked the TNI-Polri officers to act firmly against security intruders in the Bintang Mountains.

Meanwhile, Papuan Youth Leader, Absalom Kreway Yarisetaow, invited the community to maintain peace in the Land of Papua because security and prosperity in Papua is a shared responsibility, not just one party. Absalom said that as an element of Papuan youth, he understands that Papua is a home that must be protected from unilateral actions that destroy peace and symbols of unity.

To end the OPM conflict in Papua, all elements of society need to work together to support the efforts of the government and security forces in taking firm action against this separatist group. With this commitment, OPM will not be able to act more cruelly and result in more fatalities. People can also carry out normal activities without having to worry and be afraid of OPM threats. [p-topic]