Ensure Firm Action Against OPM Not Civil Society, Indonesia Realizes Security Stability in Papua

By: Loa Murib

The government’s efforts to uphold security stability in Papua show a strong and real commitment through firm actions against the OPM which has so far been a threat to state sovereignty and the safety of civilians. In the past week, the Habema Operations Command (Koops) formed by TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto has succeeded in paralyzing two main forces of the Free Papua Organization (OPM) in a precise operation based on accurate intelligence information.

This success confirms that the state is not remaining silent in the face of the threat of separatism which often undermines the peace of life of the Papuan people. On May 10, 2025, a central figure of the OPM in the Yambi region, Nekison Enumbi alias Bumi Walo Enumbi, was killed in a TNI operation in Ilamburawi District, Puncak Jaya Regency, Central Papua. This figure has long been a fugitive from the authorities because of his involvement in a series of armed terror acts in the region. The evidence that was successfully secured in the form of ammunition, communication devices, and traditional weapons confirmed that the OPM continued to arm itself in carrying out violent actions.

Not long after, on May 14, 2025, TNI officers again carried out an operation in Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua, which killed 18 OPM members. They were known to be part of the network led by Daniel Aibon Kogoya, Undius Kogoya, and Josua Waker. Gunfire occurred at several points, including Hitadipa District, and from the operation location the officers also secured firearms, ammunition, and separatist attributes such as the Morning Star flag. This is proof that this group is not only threatening from behind the forest, but also continues to build strength to attack civilians and government officials.

It is certain that the 18 OPM members who died were not civilians as claimed by the OPM. The claim was deliberately spread by the OPM to provoke and make the Papuan people distrust the government.

Meanwhile, the success of Koops Habema is not only a victory for the security forces, but also for the Papuan people who have been living in the shadow of terror and intimidation by armed groups. which is in line with the government’s efforts to protect civilians in Papua.

Koops Habema Media Task Force Commander Lt. Col. Iwan Dwi stated that the operation to take action against the OPM group was carried out in a measured and professional manner in order to maintain the safety of civilians. He said that the troops had succeeded in sterilizing a number of areas in the Sugapa District from the presence of armed groups who had often committed violence against the community. Iwan emphasized that the troops remained on alert at strategic points to anticipate potential further attacks from other separatist groups. Lt. Col. Iwan Dwi’s statement emphasized that the TNI’s firm action was not merely a response to acts of violence, but a strategic step to create long-term security stability in Papua. By sterilizing the area from the presence of armed groups and securing evidence, the TNI demonstrated its commitment to maintaining order and preventing disruption to development and the lives of residents. This effort is expected to restore the community’s sense of security and open up space for the acceleration of sustainable development in Papua.

These steps emphasize that the government is not prioritizing military power alone, but rather is carrying out a comprehensive approach to create a safe and peaceful Papua. By eliminating separatist forces that endanger security, development can run more smoothly and the community can enjoy their rights as citizens in full.

Stability in Papua is the main requirement for equitable development that has been planned by the government for a long time. Infrastructure, education, and health programs will not be able to reach remote areas if they continue to be overshadowed by the threat of weapons and violence from separatist groups. Therefore, firm action against the OPM is not a form of violation, but a legitimate step guaranteed by the constitution in maintaining the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

More than just military action, efforts to paralyze separatist groups are also a symbol that the state is present for the Papuan people. Security is not just a state agenda, but the right of every citizen. And when these rights are taken away by a handful of groups that spread fear and destruction, the state is obliged to uphold justice in order to protect its people.

With the increasing success of the TNI in crushing armed groups that are disrupting Papua, hopes for peace and development are increasingly open. This effort must continue to be supported by all elements of society, including the media and civil society organizations, so that the narrative of peace and stability in Papua remains the main focus.