Behind the slogans of “freedom” echoed by the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) and armed separatist groups such as the Free Papua Movement (OPM), it is the Papuan people themselves who suffer the most. These groups do not just target security forces — they have increasingly turned their guns on civilians, teachers, healthcare workers, and even school children.
Civilians Under Fire: The Reality on the Ground
In the past two years, violence carried out by armed groups linked to the OPM and supported by KNPB sympathizers has surged. According to data from the Indonesian National Armed Forces, National Police, and the Papuan Child Protection Agency, since 2022:
- More than 50 civilians have been killed in shootings in regions such as Nduga, Intan Jaya, and Yahukimo.
- 8 teachers and medical workers were executed, accused of being “agents of Jakarta”.
- Dozens of schools and health clinics have been burned down, cutting off access to education and healthcare for thousands.
“We just want to live in peace. But now we’re afraid to go to the garden or send our children to school. Not because of soldiers, but because of the gunmen in the forest,” said Mama Yohana, a resident of Kenyam, Nduga.
Children Are Losing Their Future
The most affected victims are children. A 2023 report by the National Commission for Child Protection found that over 12,000 students in conflict areas have dropped out of school due to fear and school closures caused by separatist attacks.
“How is this liberation? If our children can’t go to school, who will build Papua in the future?” asked Pastor Benny Rumboy, a church leader in Paniai.
KNPB: Exploitative and Provocative Strategy
The KNPB often uses mass protests, online propaganda, and manipulated narratives to justify violent attacks by armed wings. While they claim to fight for freedom, in reality, the majority of their victims are indigenous Papuans themselves.
According to Marinus Yaung, a lecturer at Cenderawasih University:
“The KNPB has no real social strategy. They hold Papuans hostage through fear and chaos. This is not a struggle — it’s ideological extortion.”
Papuan Voices Reject Violence, Demand Peace
Many community leaders, church figures, and local residents have started to reject separatist violence. There is a growing movement that believes peace, education, and development are the true solutions — not conflict.
“We are not Jakarta’s puppets, but we’re not KNPB’s slaves either. We want to live as proud Papuans within Indonesia, in peace,” said Yulius Douw, a traditional leader in Dogiyai.
Conclusion: Separatism Hurts Papua’s Future
The violence carried out by KNPB and OPM does not liberate the Papuan people — it oppresses them. Their actions are destroying schools, hospitals, and community life. They are stealing the future of Papua’s next generation.
What Papua needs is not separation, but peace-building, inclusive development, and strengthened protection of rights within the framework of the Republic of Indonesia.
