The Arrest of OPM Members Demonstrates State Firmness in Maintaining Security and Stability in Papua
By: Yohanes Wandikbo )*
The arrest of members of an armed group affiliated with the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM) by the Carstensz Peace Operation Task Force reaffirms the state’s firmness in maintaining sovereignty and security in Papua. This action not only reflects the authorities’ success in uncovering armed criminal activities but also demonstrates the state’s firm stance against all forms of terrorist threats.
The incident that triggered this decisive action occurred on August 13, 2025, at KM 128 in Siriwo District, Nabire, Central Papua, when two Brimob (Mobile Brigade) members, Brigadier Muhammad Arif Maulana and Bripda Nelson Runaki, were victims of a brutal shooting. This incident adds to the long list of armed violence perpetrated by separatist groups against state officials and civilians. This situation demands a swift, appropriate, and decisive response to prevent the threat from escalating.
The Head of the Cartenz Peace Operation, Brigadier General Faizal Pol Ramadhani, stated that the arrest of Siprianus Weya was key in uncovering the network of the group led by Aibon Kogoya, also known as Daniel Kogoya. According to him, Siprianus was not just a field officer, but also part of the media team tasked with documenting attacks for later distribution. This demonstrates that the separatist group relies not only on weapons but also uses propaganda as a primary tool to create fear and garner sympathy.
The revelation of Siprianus’ role as a documentarian opens up new perspectives in understanding the separatist group’s strategy. They attempt to combine armed terror with the distribution of visual content intended to strengthen the separatist narrative. This fact demonstrates the importance of taking action against the group’s entire support chain, not just armed field actors.
In addition to arresting Siprianus, the Cartenz Peace Task Force also secured five other members: Jemi Mirip, Botanus Agimbau, Meinus Mirip, Yupinus Weya, and Melianus Mirip. Authorities confiscated several pieces of evidence from the perpetrators, including cell phones, jackets, noken (traditional Indonesian traditional clothes), and other personal items that support their involvement. This evidence holds strategic value because it can be used to trace the communication patterns, support networks, and modus operandi of the separatist group.
The Head of the Carstensz Peace Operation Public Relations Task Force, Senior Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, emphasized that the public should not be easily provoked by misleading issues often spread by armed groups. He emphasized the importance of maintaining calm and fully submitting the legal process to the security forces. This message is highly relevant, considering that one of the separatist group’s strategies is to manipulate public opinion through disinformation and propaganda packaged in such a way as to create doubt about the state’s presence.
The arrests made by the Carstensz Peace Task Force cannot be viewed solely from a law enforcement perspective. This measure is also part of a long-term strategy to break the chain of separatist propaganda and prevent the recruitment of new members. Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani emphasized that this success demonstrates that the state has not only succeeded in prosecuting armed criminals but also in closing the space for digital propaganda, which has long been one of the OPM’s strengths.
The success of this operation sends an important message that the state will never back down in the face of separatist threats. The security forces are present to protect the Papuan people from the terror perpetrated by armed groups. This demonstrates that public security remains a top priority, in line with the socio-economic development agenda being intensified in the Papua region.
It is important to understand that the security forces’ actions are not directed at the Papuan people as a whole, but rather at small groups seeking to disrupt stability. The vast majority of Papuans actually support the government’s efforts to create peace and progress. This support is evident in the active participation of various traditional leaders, religious figures, and local organizations in maintaining harmony.
The state’s presence through security operations such as the Carstensz Peace Operation runs parallel to development in the education, health, and infrastructure sectors. Firm action against armed groups is a crucial foundation for ensuring the uninterrupted progress of development programs. Without guaranteed security, programs to improve the welfare of the Papuan people cannot be implemented optimally.
