Papuan Figures Support Firm TNI-Polri Action Against OPM and KNPB, Call for Peace and Development

 

PAPUA — Support for firm law-enforcement measures by Indonesia’s TNI and Polri against armed violence in Papua has once again been voiced by Papuan religious, traditional and community figures.

They argue that decisive action against armed groups is necessary to protect civilians, maintain security and ensure that development and public services can continue across the region.

The statements come amid growing concern over violence in Papua, which has affected not only migrant communities and foreign nationals but also Indigenous Papuans.

Papuan Religious Leader Highlights Impact of Violence

Kirenius Telenggen, a Christian religious figure from Puncak Jaya, Central Papua, said violence attributed to the OPM has had a broad impact on Papuan communities.

He highlighted the death of Captain Nicholas F. Goselin, a pilot with PT AMA from the United States, who, according to the report, had been serving flights connected with religious activities in Papua’s remote areas.

Kirenius said violence against civilians not only causes casualties but can also affect Papua’s image internationally.

He also argued that violence against Papuans who refuse to join armed groups could further reduce public sympathy toward such groups.

Call for Political Issues to Be Addressed Without Violence

Kirenius stressed that Papuan communities need security, education, development and economic opportunities to improve their welfare.

He called on members of armed groups still operating in remote areas to abandon violence and return to civilian life.

“People are becoming more educated. Prosperity comes through education and development, not acts of terror,” Kirenius said.

He argued that improving education, development and economic opportunities would provide greater long-term benefits for Papuan communities than armed confrontation.

Warning Against Propaganda and Hate Speech

Kirenius also urged the government and law-enforcement authorities to pay attention to the spread of propaganda and hate speech through social media.

He warned that narratives targeting young Papuans could contribute to further conflict and violence.

At the same time, he encouraged communities to become more critical when consuming information, particularly content that could provoke hostility or deepen divisions within society.

KNPB Activities Should Be Addressed Through the Law

The report also quoted Kirenius as calling for firm action against activities considered to violate Indonesian law, including political activities that he linked to the OPM agenda.

He specifically mentioned the West Papua National Committee (KNPB).

However, any action against an organization or individual should remain based on evidence, applicable law and due legal process. Political expression or disagreement should not automatically be treated as a criminal offense.

Cartenz Task Force Continues Law-Enforcement Operations

Against this backdrop, Indonesian security forces continue to conduct law-enforcement operations in several parts of Papua.

According to the Media Indonesia report, the Damai Cartenz-2026 Operation Task Force carried out an operation against four members of an armed group in Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands.

The four individuals were described by authorities as wanted suspects allegedly connected to several criminal cases, including the killing of two civilians in Dekai District in April 2023.

Head of Public Relations for Operation Damai Cartenz-2026, Senior Commissioner of Police Yusuf Sutejo, said the operation formed part of broader law-enforcement efforts targeting individuals allegedly involved in criminal activities in Yahukimo.

Government and Security Forces Focus on Civilian Protection

The operation in Yahukimo reflects the authorities’ efforts to protect communities from armed violence.

In Papua, security remains an important condition for ensuring that residents can continue their daily activities, children can attend school, public services can operate and development projects can proceed.

Support from community and religious leaders can therefore strengthen the message that Papua’s challenges should be addressed through a combination of law enforcement, social dialogue, education, development and community engagement.

Call to Return to Civilian Life

Kirenius’ statement also carried a broader message that Papua’s future should not be determined through violence.

Papuan communities need a secure environment in which people can work, obtain education, access healthcare and develop local economies.

For this reason, calls for members of armed groups to abandon violence and return to civilian life are being presented as one possible pathway toward a safer and more productive future.

Security and Development Must Move Together

The support expressed by Papuan figures for law-enforcement measures reflects concern over the impact of armed violence on local communities.

At the same time, security operations should continue to be conducted professionally, proportionately, in accordance with the law and with civilian protection as a central priority.

Under such an approach, security is not merely about enforcement. It is also a prerequisite for ensuring that development and improvements in living standards can continue across Papua.

Conclusion

Statements from Papuan religious and community figures underline the view that continued armed violence can ultimately harm Papuan communities themselves.

The message is not limited to law enforcement. It also emphasizes the importance of leaving violence behind and building Papua through education, development, economic opportunities and a secure social environment.

Meanwhile, Indonesian security forces through Operation Damai Cartenz continue their law-enforcement efforts against armed groups allegedly linked to criminal activities in Papua.

Ultimately, protecting civilians and sustaining development must go hand in hand in efforts to build a safer, more stable and more prosperous Papua.