Community Supports Security Forces in Eradicating OPM in Puncak Jaya

By: Yowar Matulessy )*

The security forces are strongly committed to taking very firm action against the Free Papua Movement (OPM) as the perpetrator of the shooting of the Polri member in Puncak Jaya Regency. This commitment then brought various forms of public support.

OPM continues to intensify its very cruel and barbaric actions in Papua, which have clearly become a real threat to security stability in the region nicknamed the Little Heaven at the tip of Indonesia.

The brutal shooting that killed Briptu Kiki Supriyadi in Puncak Jaya Regency recently again showed that the group continues to terrorize security in Bumi Cenderawasih. The security forces, in this case the TNI-Polri, cannot remain silent. Firm and measured action must be taken to eradicate the group that is the enemy of this country.

The incident that occurred on Thursday, September 26, 2024, claimed the life of Briptu Kiki Supriyadi, a police officer on duty at the Ilu Police, Puncak Jaya Regency. At the time of the incident, Briptu Kiki was on his way with three colleagues after returning from Mulia City.

Without warning, they were attacked by gunfire from behind while crossing the Pagargom River in Kalome District. One of the shots hit Briptu Kiki, causing him to fall from his motorbike. His colleagues who tried to help were chased by the perpetrators on motorbikes. Evacuation efforts were immediately carried out after information was received by the local police.

Head of Public Relations of the Papua Police, Kombes Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo, provided a statement confirming the incident. His party confirmed that this attack was part of a terror strategy launched by separatist groups in Papua to create fear among the community.

Security forces have responded quickly by sending joint TNI-Polri troops to comb the area of ​​the incident. This responsive and firm action is a must in maintaining the security and integrity of the Papua region which is currently being hit by threats from separatist groups.

Not only limited to responses in the field, further firm action has also been emphasized by the Puncak Jaya Police Chief, AKBP Kuswara. According to him, the security forces are conducting an intensive investigation regarding the incident.

The perpetrators of the attack, both individually and in groups, will be pursued and processed in accordance with applicable laws. Kuswara also emphasized that the security forces have increased security at all vulnerable points in Puncak Jaya to prevent further violence. This is done so that the community can carry out their activities calmly and not be trapped in fear due to acts of terror from terrorist groups who are enemies of the country.

The firm action of the security forces also received full support from various parties, including national political figures. Senior Golkar Party politician, Aburizal Bakrie, voiced his support for the TNI-Polri’s steps in taking action against separatist groups who have been undermining the sovereignty of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).

According to Bakrie, there is no room for compromise regarding the rebellion. The separatist movement of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) is clearly a serious threat to national unity. Therefore, firm action, without discrimination, is needed to stop the various acts of violence carried out by the group.

Aburizal Bakrie also stated that the firm action taken by the security forces does not conflict with the principles of human rights (HAM). He emphasized that defending the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia must be the main priority in maintaining the integrity of the country.

The violence that occurred in Papua can no longer be tolerated, especially since many lives have been lost. The OPM, according to him, has created instability that has hampered development in the region nicknamed the Golden City.

People who feel protected and receive attention in terms of development and welfare will find it easier to work together with the security forces to create peace in the region. This welfare approach, according to him, must continue to help accelerate development that has been pioneered by the central government.

in the region known as the Little Heaven in Eastern Indonesia.

The existence of separatist groups in Papua not only threatens Indonesia’s sovereignty, but also disrupts social and economic stability in the region. The violent actions carried out by this group must be stopped immediately so that the Papuan people can live in peace and feel the benefits of the development that has been attempted by the government.