Five OPM Members Pledge Allegiance to Indonesia
Five members of the armed group Organisasi Papua Merdeka (OPM) Kodap XXVIII from the Mewoluk District, Puncak Jaya Regency, have voluntarily pledged their loyalty to return to the embrace of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
The pledge of loyalty was delivered at the Mulia City Square, Puncak Jaya Regency, on Thursday (25/6), witnessed by local government officials, security forces, religious leaders, traditional leaders, community leaders, families, and hundreds of residents.
The Head of Information for TNI Koops Habema, Lieutenant Colonel Inf M Wirya Arthadiguna, stated in Timika on Saturday that the oath of loyalty expressed by the five OPM members reflects how approaches prioritising communication, respect for humanitarian values, and collaboration with local governments, religious leaders, and community figures can build trust and pave the way towards peace.
“Koops TNI Habema respects the decision of our brothers who have chosen to return to the embrace of the NKRI as part of the great family of the Indonesian nation. We hope this momentum serves as the beginning of a better, safer, and more productive life alongside their families and the community. We also invite anyone still within armed groups to take the path of peace, as the future of Papua will be better if built through unity, dialogue, and a spirit of togetherness for the welfare of all people,” he said.
During the procession, the five members of the OPM Mewoluk group read the pledge script, signed loyalty documents to the NKRI, and kissed the Red and White Flag as a symbol of their determination to start a new chapter in community life. The event continued with the distribution of basic food supplies and clothing as a form of support for the process of their return to society.
The presence of the Regent and Vice Regent of Puncak Jaya, regional leadership coordination forum (forkopimda) members, religious leaders, traditional leaders, and families demonstrated that the effort to build peace is a shared responsibility. Support from various parties is expected to encourage them to return to a productive and safe life alongside the community.
It was noted that the decision of the five OPM members to return to the NKRI was a personal choice made without any element of coercion. This step is hoped to be the beginning of establishing peace, strengthening brotherhood, and opening opportunities for security stability that supports development and the improvement of welfare for the Papuan people.
Koops TNI Habema, along with all government elements, reaffirmed their commitment to continue prioritising a humanist and persuasive approach that respects humanitarian values in maintaining security in Papua. Through collaboration with religious, traditional, and community leaders, as well as local governments, it is hoped that more members of the community will play an active role in creating a safe, peaceful, and prosperous Papua for all its citizens.