Forty-two OPM members surrender

JAYAPURA, Papua: Forty-two members of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) who used to operate in the Demta, Genyem, Depapre and Nimbokrang areas of Jayapura regency officially surrendered to the Papua provincial administration on Monday.

The ceremony was held at the Papua Provincial Police headquarters, and attended by Papua governor JP Solossa, Papua's Trikora Military Commander Maj. Gen. Nurdin Zainal, Papuan Police chief Insp. Gen. Budi Utomo, Papua Provincial Prosecutor's Office chief MT Panjaitan and the Papuan Provincial Legislative Council speaker, John Ibo.

"We're tired of living in danger as we are always on the run from the security forces. For the sake of our safety and futures, we've decided to surrender and join the Unitary Republic of Indonesia," said Bernadus, who acted as spokesman for the surrendering OPM members.

Bernadus was an employee of the Jayapura office of the then Ministry of Public Works before joining the separatist movement.--JP