TNI Commander emphasises collaborative approach to handling OPM in Papua

The OPM (Free Papua Organisation) is a separatist group and must be eradicated. There must be no separatists in our country,” stated General Agus Subiyanto, Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), when met in Jakarta on Sunday.

Addressing concerns regarding public anxiety caused by the activities of armed groups, Agus stated that resolving the Papua issue cannot rely solely on the TNI, as it requires collaborative efforts.

According to Agus, the TNI is also conducting massive territorial operations through various activities to support the needs of the Papuan people. These efforts include the construction of churches, the provision of boreholes for clean water, school repairs, healthcare services, and the deployment of soldiers to teach in remote areas.

“So, we go there to assist in the acceleration of development and the welfare of the people living there, speeding up development,” said Agus.

Agus emphasised that security and development approaches must proceed through collaboration so that the handling of the Papua issue is not viewed solely from a military perspective.

Conversely, the TPNPB-OPM has expressed objections to the use of heavy weaponry in these operations. The group claims that bombings and gunfire from aircraft have resulted in six of its members being wounded. According to the group, these attacks targeted coordinates they claim as their headquarters in the Nduga region recently.

The OPM has subsequently urged the TNI to cease the use of fighter jets, helicopters, and drones, arguing that the use of such equipment has the potential to impact civilian settlements in the surrounding conflict areas.