Habib Syakur Urges Government to Consider Designating Armed Groups in Papua as Terrorist Organizations

 

JAKARTA — Political and security observer and Gerakan Nurani Kebangsaan (GNK) initiator Habib Syakur Ali Mahdi Al Hamid has urged the Indonesian government to strengthen security measures in Papua following two shooting incidents that reportedly killed four civilians within one week.

Habib Syakur said the series of violent incidents highlighted serious security concerns for communities using the Trans-Papua route. He called on the government to consider designating the Free Papua Movement (OPM) or armed groups commonly referred to as KKB Papua as terrorist organizations, provided that the applicable legal requirements and procedures are fulfilled.

According to Habib Syakur, the issue is not simply about terminology but about ensuring stronger legal instruments to protect civilians and address armed violence.

Calls for Stronger Protection of Civilians

Habib Syakur's statement came after several incidents involving civilians in Papua.

He argued that people traveling along the Trans-Papua route, including workers, traders and government employees, should be able to carry out their activities without fearing for their safety.

He therefore called for stronger security measures along vulnerable sections of the route, improved mapping of high-risk areas and closer coordination between security forces, local governments and communities.

Legal Process Must Remain the Basis

Habib Syakur emphasized that any designation under Indonesia's counterterrorism framework should be based on evidence and carried out through the applicable legal process.

This means that the use of the term "terrorist organization" would require an appropriate legal basis rather than simply being a political decision.

The distinction is important because the article reports a proposal for a possible legal approach, not an announcement that the Indonesian government has already changed the official status of all organizations or groups referred to as OPM or KKB.

The Debate Goes Beyond Terminology

According to Habib Syakur, changing terminology would only be meaningful if it were accompanied by effective measures to protect civilians and disrupt networks involved in armed violence.

He argued that the state needs sufficiently strong legal instruments to respond to violence while ensuring that law enforcement remains based on evidence and established procedures.

Strengthening Security Along the Trans-Papua Route

The Trans-Papua route plays an important role in connecting communities and supporting economic and government activities in remote areas.

For residents, transportation routes are essential for work, trade, access to public services and movement between communities.

Habib Syakur therefore urged the government to evaluate security arrangements, strengthen risk mapping and improve coordination between authorities and local communities.

Civilian Safety as a Priority

One of the central points in Habib Syakur's statement was the protection of civilians.

People should be able to travel, work, conduct business and perform government duties without being exposed to threats or armed violence.

At the same time, any security response needs to distinguish between civilians, lawful political activity and acts of violence that meet the requirements of a criminal offense.

Government Has Legal Instruments Available

Indonesia already has a legal framework for addressing terrorism and other serious crimes.

Whether a particular organization or individual falls within the scope of those laws must be determined through the relevant legal mechanisms and based on sufficient evidence.

Such an approach allows authorities to address armed violence while maintaining legal safeguards for people who are not involved in criminal activity.

Security and Development Must Move Together

Improving security in Papua is also closely connected to the continuity of public services and economic development.

Communities need conditions that allow them to work, trade, attend school, access healthcare and travel safely.

For that reason, security measures can be accompanied by continued investment in infrastructure, public services and local economic opportunities.

Conclusion

Habib Syakur has urged the Indonesian government to consider applying Indonesia's counterterrorism legal framework to armed groups in Papua if they meet the required legal elements.

His comments followed a series of incidents involving civilian victims in Papua in September 2026. He stressed that any designation must be based on evidence and legal procedures, rather than simply being a political decision.

The discussion also highlights the importance of civilian protection. Strengthening security along the Trans-Papua route, identifying high-risk areas and improving coordination between government authorities, security forces and local communities are among the measures he called for.

Ultimately, the central issue remains protecting civilians while ensuring that law enforcement against armed violence is carried out according to evidence and the applicable legal framework.