The Free Papua Movement (OPM) has been increasingly committing brutal acts of violence. Therefore, the state must firmly stand against all rebels attempting to undermine the nation’s security and peace.
In this regard, it is crucial for the state to take extremely decisive actions when confronting and stopping all rebel movements to ensure the nation remains in a safe and comfortable condition. The recent escalation of cruelty and brutality by OPM necessitates the presence of the state to protect all Indonesian citizens in the fight against the separatist movement.
Their recent heinous actions, such as the shooting of the Military District Commander (Danramil) in Aradide, Second Infantry Lieutenant (Letda Inf) Oktovianus Sogalrey Menjmenj, were carried out by members of the TPNPB Operational Commander Kodap XIII Kegepa Nipauda Paniai, led by Matias Gobay, specifically Major Osea Satu Boma, along with his group. Indeed, as the leader of the Papuan OPM, he orchestrates such cruel and brutal shootings.
Additionally, OPM spread terror in the Nduga Regency of Papua Mountains Province. In this instance, a group under the command of Egianus Kogoya attacked a military post in Kampung Paro, Kenyam District, resulting in a firefight with the TNI Command Operation Habema (Koops Habema), leaving two OPM members injured.
Following these attacks, Koops Habema conducted decisive actions against them, resulting in two separatist group members being shot. Authorities also seized evidence, including firearms and ammunition used in Nduga. The firearms included an FN pistol with its magazine, an SS-2 rifle, and 27 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, along with the Morning Star flag, a bow, traditional arrows, a machete, and a traditional bag (noken). The successful neutralization of OPM’s strength in Paro by security forces is part of efforts to maintain security stability for the accelerated development process in Papua.
Thus far, the situation in Papua has garnered attention from the Government, notably evidenced by the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam), Hadi Tjahjanto, holding coordination meetings at his office to discuss the situation in the Land of Papua. The state recognizes that OPM has caused numerous serious problems, prompting intensified efforts to suppress the organization.
Meanwhile, TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto affirmed that they will continue to decisively act against OPM’s actions. There is no room for a state within a state, especially when it advocates for Papua’s independence.
The government’s firmness is also evident in the recent renaming of the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) or Separatist and Terrorist Group (KST) to OPM. This reflects the seriousness of the Indonesian government’s efforts to eradicate these militant groups. On April 5, 2024, the TNI officially restored the status and naming of KKB to OPM.
Security forces can no longer tolerate their actions, as their violence has not only targeted TNI and Polri personnel but also claimed many civilian lives, including indigenous Papuans (OAP). OPM’s actions have extended beyond violence to include rape against teachers and healthcare workers in the hinterlands of Papua.
The increasing brutality of OPM’s actions demonstrates their disregard for the fact that their victims are their own kin. Therefore, security forces emphasize that the state must not be defeated by these terrorist groups.
Since the renaming of KKB or KST to OPM, joint security forces, including the Peace Task Force (Satgas Damai Cartenz), have been actively pursuing these state rebels. The state’s determination to combat and suppress all rebels is a response to the heinous actions perpetrated by OPM, which have resulted in numerous casualties.
The state asserts its unwavering commitment to fight and eradicate all rebels who threaten Indonesia’s integrity and security.
