Papuan Traditional Figures Support Security Forces to Eradicate OPM

I. Perwita / Sorong Muhammadiyah University student

Jayapura – Traditional figures in Papua Indonesia, have a very important role in maintaining security and order in Papua. Their support for the security forces in efforts to eradicate the Free Papua Organization or OPM, is a step that is highly appreciated.

In this context, Papuan traditional figures are one of the key elements in building peace and stability in Papua. Their support not only has a positive impact on efforts to eradicate OPM, but also creates a conducive environment for development in Papua.

One of the Papuan traditional figures who is very active in supporting the security forces in dealing with OPM is a tribal chief in the mountainous region of Papua, Markus Haluk. Markus is known as a figure who cares about security and order in Papua. Through his leadership, he succeeded in gathering support from various tribes in Papua to jointly eradicate OPM. The steps taken by Markus Haluk together with other traditional leaders have helped security forces reduce OPM activities in their area.

Apart from Markus Haluk, there are many other Papuan traditional figures who are also active in supporting the security forces in dealing with OPM. They made various efforts, ranging from anti-radicalism outreach, establishing security posts to educating the public about the importance of maintaining security and order. All these efforts are carried out with the aim of creating a safe and conducive situation for all Papuan people.

The traditional figure of Kampung Sereh, Yanto Eluay, asked the public to be careful in receiving information that smells like propaganda. He advised the Papuan people to instill correct history in the younger generation. As well as inviting the young generation of Papua to carry out positive activities and not be incited by doctrines from opposing parties.

Meanwhile, a traditional figure from Jayawijaya, Papua Mountain Province, Hengky Heselo, appealed to the entire community not to respond to provocative invitations or statements from separatist groups that could disrupt public security and order. Calls from separatist groups are considered not constructive, they can even divide and bring suffering. Hengky emphasized that in the Land of Papua currently, people live in harmony and peace with intensive development from the central government through the Special Autonomy program.

Support from Papuan traditional leaders to security forces in dealing with OPM is also reflected in their participation in government programs aimed at improving the welfare of the Papuan people. These programs include infrastructure development, increasing access to education and health, as well as economic empowerment of local communities. By supporting these programs, Papuan traditional leaders hope to help reduce poverty and improve the quality of life of the Papuan people, so that they are not influenced by OPM’s invitation.

Lapago traditional leader, Yuranus Jikwa, said that his party supports the TNI-Polri in dealing with the increasingly disturbing OPM. Jikwa also emphasized to members of the terrorist group, especially those in the Lapago and Mee Pago traditional areas, not to shoot civilians, then make statements in the media that are not true.

Even though many Papuan traditional leaders support the security forces in dealing with the OPM, it cannot be denied that there are still a small number of traditional leaders who help the OPM. This is a challenge for security forces and other Papuan traditional leaders to be able to identify and deal with them effectively. Preventive measures and action against traditional leaders involved in OPM must be carried out firmly and fairly, without harming their rights as citizens.

The importance of respecting human rights, strengthening inter-ethnic dialogue, and encouraging inclusive economic development in the Papua region must not be ignored in order to create sustainable peace. The gradual and systematic liberation efforts to eradicate OPM are concrete evidence of our shared commitment to achieving peace and reconciliation in Papua. []