Strongly Condemning the OPM Terrorism Disrupting the Acceleration of Papua’s Development

By: Michelle Srowi
The instability caused by the Free Papua Organization (OPM), often referred to as Armed Criminal Groups (KKB), has long been a serious challenge for Papua. The acts of violence carried out by this group not only result in many casualties but also hinder various development efforts in the region.
In recent weeks, the terror unleashed by the OPM has intensified and become increasingly unsettling, especially in the lead-up to the commemoration of the 79th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia. Now, it is time for us not only to condemn their brutal actions but also to support concrete measures to accelerate development in Papua, so that stability and progress can be realized soon.
On August 5, 2024, the violence perpetrated by OPM reached a very concerning level. This group, believed to be led by Egianus Kogoya, killed New Zealand helicopter pilot Glen Malcolm Conning. The pilot had just landed in Mimika with his medical team.
This action demonstrates how devoid of humanity they are and how brutal they can be towards anyone they consider an enemy. The attack on a foreign medical worker only underscores how the OPM does not hesitate to involve parties that are not directly related to the conflict in order to achieve their goals.
Not stopping there, on August 13, 2024, OPM once again displayed their brutality by shooting dead Raimon Gustam Kailimang, a project worker in the Sugapa District, Intan Jaya Regency. This incident adds to the long list of violence they have perpetrated and highlights how horrific the conditions on the ground are for workers and civilians in Papua.

The insecurity faced by project workers not only troubles them personally but also has a significant impact on the smooth progress of various development projects that are crucial for the advancement of Papua.
The situation became increasingly tense when on August 15, 2024, the OPM launched another attack, shooting dead Sergeant Jefri Elfradus May, a member of the Kodim 1714/Puncak Jaya. This attack occurred in the Sport Center area, Pagaleme District, Puncak Jaya Regency, Central Papua Province.
This shooting not only adds to the list of casualties among the authorities but also demonstrates how OPM’s terror has disrupted security and stability in an area that is currently carrying out important tasks, such as securing the launch of the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Election stages by the Puncak Jaya Election Commission.
According to Khairul Fahmi, a military observer and Co-Founder of the Institute for Security and Strategic Studies (ISESS), the series of attacks by OPM during August 2024 is a provocative effort aimed at drawing international attention to the issue of Papua amid Indonesia’s independence celebrations. Fahmi stated that the OPM is using the moment of Indonesia’s Independence Day commemoration as an opportunity to express their rejection of Indonesia’s sovereignty over Papua. They seem to want to show the world that they still oppose Papua’s existence within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, while also attempting to thwart the participation of the Papuan people in the independence celebrations.
Despite various preventive efforts made by the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the National Police (Polri), including increased patrols, limited military operations, strengthening the capacity of local security forces, and the use of advanced technology, the challenges faced in countering the guerrilla tactics of the OPM remain significant. Khairul Fahmi acknowledges that the guerrilla tactics employed by the OPM are very effective in confronting a larger and more organized military force. This presents a challenge for security forces to protect the public while continuing to work towards stabilizing the situation.
In a recent development, the OPM also acknowledged that they are responsible for the shooting of two TNI members in Puncak Jaya, one of whom has died. This statement indicates that OPM remains committed to their goal of opposing Indonesia’s presence in Papua, even though their actions continuously cause suffering for the Papuan people themselves.
It is important to remember that the actions of OPM not only impact security and stability in Papua, but also hinder the progress of development that is crucial for the well-being of the local community.
Their presence continuously creates uncertainty that hinders investments, development projects, and various other initiatives that are crucial for the development of the Papua region.
In response to this situation, the wider community needs to support the government’s efforts to accelerate development in Papua as a strategic step to face the challenges at hand.
Rapid and effective development will help reduce dependence on conflict and insecurity, as well as provide positive alternatives for the Papuan community. Furthermore, there needs to be closer cooperation between the government, security forces, and local communities to create a safer and more conducive environment for all parties involved.
Let us strongly condemn the terror perpetrated by OPM and support every step taken to accelerate development in Papua. We all have the right to live in security and peace, and collective efforts are key to achieving the desired stability.
Support and active participation from all layers of society are crucial to ensure that development in Papua can proceed smoothly and provide maximum benefits for the local community. Do not let terror and violence obstruct a better future for Papua.
*) Law students of the University of Papua (Unipa)