Government Ensures Protection of Papuans from OPM
By: Roslina Kadepa )*
The government has confirmed its commitment to protecting the Papuan people amidst the ongoing operation to eradicate the separatist group the Free Papua Movement (OPM). Under the coordination of the TNI and Polri, this step was taken while still prioritizing the principle of human rights and maintaining the security of civilians from threats from armed groups. Various accusations against the security forces that have been circulating, including claims of using places of worship as military posts, have been strongly denied by the relevant parties.
The Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force, led by Kombes Pol Yusuf Sutejo as Head of the Public Relations Task Force, firmly denied allegations that the Ephesus GIDI Church in Oksop District was used as a military headquarters or war logistics warehouse. The accusations were considered an attempt at provocation aimed at triggering unrest in Papua.
Yusuf reported that the situation in Oksop District is currently conducive, with the community carrying out their daily activities safely. TNI-Polri officers are present in the region to maintain peace and ensure that public security remains guaranteed.
The government is aware that provocative narratives circulating, including through unverifiable information channels, have the potential to create unrest in the community. Therefore, the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force has asked the Papuan people not to be easily influenced by negative issues that have no basis in fact. Instead, residents are asked to confirm any information with the authorities or through available official channels.
On the other hand, the OPM eradication operation carried out by the TNI and Polri is based on applicable regulations, including Presidential Instruction Number 9 of 2020 concerning the acceleration of welfare development in Papua. This legal basis emphasizes that the presence of security forces in Papua aims to create the stability needed to support welfare development. In addition to protecting the community from threats from armed groups, the presence of the TNI-Polri in the field also includes the role of supporting basic services and inclusive social communication.
However, major challenges are still faced in implementing the operation. The activities of armed groups, such as those carried out by the OPM, often hinder development in Papua. Incidents of violence against civilians and security forces, including the shooting death of a New Zealand pilot, are clear examples of the destructive impact of this group. Such incidents not only claim lives, but also create instability that forces local communities to leave their areas for safety.
According to the Commander of the Media Task Force of the TNI Habema Operations Command, Lieutenant Colonel Arh Yogi Nugroho, the TNI’s duties in Papua are based on the Presidential Instruction to support the acceleration of welfare development. Yogi said that the TNI’s presence in this region aims to create safe conditions that allow all stakeholders to carry out development tasks properly. He emphasized that security stability is the main priority for the welfare of the Papuan people.
In dealing with this situation, the TNI has demonstrated humanitarian steps, including evacuating victims without waiting for an official request from the relevant parties. This step emphasizes that the government’s main priority is to protect every individual in the conflict area.
The Commander of the XVII/Cenderawasih Military Command, Major General Izak Pangemanan, also emphasized that the presence of troops in Papua is designed to provide a sense of security for the local community. Although there are still armed groups that threaten, the presence of security forces has actually helped create calm in various regions.
The government continues to prioritize a comprehensive approach in dealing with the situation in Papua. In addition to security operations, efforts to accelerate welfare development remain a priority. This approach aims to address the root of the problem that often becomes the reason for dissatisfaction in some circles. By prioritizing security, development, and dialogue, the government hopes to create a conducive situation to encourage Papua to become a peaceful and prosperous region.
Even so, the challenge of dealing with provocative narratives spread by certain groups is still a major concern. The government continues to emphasize the importance of verifying information before spreading it further. By filtering information critically, the public can help reduce the potential for conflict caused by misunderstandings or manipulation of facts.
