Government Ensures Papua’s Security for Mutual Progress with Various Strategies
By: Marthinus Kaiway T. )*
The Indonesian government continues to demonstrate its seriousness in dealing with security threats posed by the Free Papua Movement (OPM). Various strategies have been evaluated to ensure the stability and safety of the people in Papua. One of the latest steps taken is an evaluation of the combat tactics implemented by the Indonesian National Army (TNI) and changes to the war doctrine that are more adaptive to the development of the times.
TNI Commander, General Agus Subiyanto said that several TNI combat tactics have been evaluated at the Special Forces Education and Training Center (Pusdiklatpassus) to increase the effectiveness of military operations in Papua. This evaluation has had an impact on the mindset of the OPM, which now has to think twice before attacking security forces. This evaluation also aims to strengthen the national defense strategy and improve the ability of troops to face the threat of separatism.
In addition, the Commander also emphasized that changes to the TNI’s war doctrine are a must, considering that the doctrine currently used is no longer relevant to the dynamics of contemporary threats. The TNI Education and Training Command, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force Education and Training Commands, is reviewing a new doctrine that is more flexible and responsive to challenges in the field. This change is expected to increase the effectiveness of military operations and provide better protection for civilians in Papua.
On the other hand, the government’s efforts to maintain security in Papua also receive full support from the National Police. Head of the Cartenz Peace Operation Public Relations Task Force, Senior Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, said that security forces continue to pursue those responsible for security disturbances in Papua. In recent weeks, joint TNI-Polri operations have succeeded in thwarting a number of actions that have the potential to disrupt order in the region. Yusuf also appealed to the public to remain calm and not be easily provoked by narratives spread by separatist groups.
In order to maintain stability in Papua, the government is also prioritizing a broader approach strategy through social and economic policies. This approach aims to create more conducive conditions for the Papuan people, while also addressing the root of the problem that is often exploited by separatist groups. By balancing law enforcement and socio-economic development, the government hopes to reduce the potential for protracted conflict in the region.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Cartenz Peace Operation, Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani, said that the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB-OPM)’s claim regarding the alleged theft of firearms by the group in Puncak Jaya was baseless. The claim was part of propaganda aimed at creating unrest in the community and worsening the security situation.
According to him, the government is not only focused on the security aspect by taking firm action against armed groups, but is also committed to improving the welfare of the Papuan people through various sustainable development programs. With a more holistic strategy, it is hoped that conditions in Papua will become more stable and the community can live with a sense of security and gain better access to public services.
As part of a long-term strategy, the government continues to strengthen the synergy between the TNI, Polri, and various related institutions to ensure that the approach taken in dealing with the OPM is not only reactive, but also proactive. The government is trying to anticipate various possibilities for conflict escalation by adjusting more effective operational tactics and strategies.
In addition, the evaluation of the TNI’s war doctrine is one of the significant steps in dealing with the OPM threat. As done by the Australian military which updates its war doctrine every three to five years, the TNI is also trying to do the same thing to adapt to changes in threat dynamics. That way, the security forces can be better prepared to face the challenges that continue to develop in Papua.
The Papuan people are the ones who are most harmed by the actions of the OPM. The existence of this armed group not only threatens security stability, but also hinders development in the area. Many infrastructure projects and social welfare programs have been hampered by security disturbances caused by separatist groups. Therefore, the government continues to strive to create safer and more conducive conditions so that development in Papua can run smoothly.
