Traditional and Religious Figures Have an Important Role in Overcoming the Threat of OPM

By: Loa Murib )*

As an integral part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), Papua has complex security challenges. The threat of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) continues to be a serious issue that requires a holistic and collaborative approach.

In this context, traditional and religious figures play an irreplaceable central role in maintaining stability and supporting government efforts to overcome security disturbances, including propaganda that is often disseminated to create unrest in society.

The existence of traditional figures in Papua, such as the Ondofolo Besar Sentani Tengah Yanto Khomlay Eluay, is a guardian of local values ​​that can reduce the potential for conflict. As a traditional leader, Yanto emphasized the importance of maintaining peace in Papua. With their respected positions, traditional figures can provide significant influence to the community so that they are not provoked by misleading issues.

Yanto assessed that the central government’s policy in Papua aims to improve the welfare of the community, so it needs to be supported by all parties. His appeal for the community to provide constructive input, rather than taking actions that disrupt order, is a form of leadership needed to realize peace.

In the context of religion, spiritual leaders in Papua have a strategic role as mediators and drivers of social harmony. Through a dialogical and persuasive approach, they are able to convey messages of peace that are accepted by various community groups. This role is increasingly important amidst propaganda and hoaxes spread by armed criminal groups (KKB) or OPM sympathizers.

The Head of Information for the XVIII/Kasuari Military Command, Colonel of Infantry Syawaludin Abuhasan, emphasized that much of the information circulating regarding attacks on security forces is merely propaganda aimed at creating fear. In situations like this, religious figures can help the community filter information and encourage them to maintain communication with security forces.

Coordination between stakeholders, including traditional and religious figures, with security forces such as the TNI-Polri is the main key in overcoming security threats. The Cartenz Peace Operation carried out by the Police is a concrete example of how a humanistic and persuasive approach can be an effective solution.

Head of the Cartenz Peace Operation Public Relations Task Force, Senior Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, emphasized that his party was present to protect the Papuan people, not to create conflict. Humanitarian-based programs, such as trauma healing and community empowerment, demonstrate the state’s commitment to being present among the Papuan people, including in remote areas that have been difficult to reach.

In addition to a humanist approach, synergy with traditional and religious leaders is needed to address structural issues that are the root of security problems in Papua. Their involvement in economic, education, and health empowerment programs provides stronger legitimacy to government efforts. Religious leaders, for example, can be a liaison between the community and the government in conveying aspirations and constructive solutions. In this way, the community not only feels heard but also involved in the development process.

On the other hand, propaganda carried out by the OPM through the spread of false information must be countered by strengthening positive narratives. Traditional and religious leaders can contribute by conveying calming messages and providing the community with a correct understanding of the situation on the ground. The hoax claiming an attack in Bintuni Bay was successfully corrected through active communication with the community. In this case, traditional and religious figures are important partners for security forces in maintaining public trust.

Their role is not only limited to conveying messages of peace but also as guardians of local wisdom values. These values ​​serve as a shield against the infiltration of separatist ideologies that conflict with the spirit of unity.

Peace in Papua also depends heavily on close collaboration between the government, security forces, and the community. The government needs to continue to involve traditional and religious figures in formulating strategic policies for Papua. With this inclusive approach, development programs can run more effectively and be accepted by the community.

This effort also provides space for the Papuan people to actively contribute to the development of their region, while also dismissing the negative narrative often voiced by the OPM.