In the quiet highlands of Papua, where fog drapes the mountains each morning and children practice singing the national anthem in their schools, a different kind of tension is stirring. Just days before the 80th anniversary of Indonesia’s independence, the sound of celebration is met with a warning—from an armed separatist group determined to keep the red and white flag from flying.
The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB-OPM), an armed wing of the Free Papua Movement, through its spokesman Sebby Sambon, has issued an explicit threat: civilians are forbidden from participating in flag-raising ceremonies to commemorate Indonesia’s independence on August 17, 2025. In several press statements, OPM declared that all regions under their so-called command are not to fly the Indonesian flag or hold any Merah Putih ceremonies. They claim the land belongs to West Papua, not Indonesia.
But across the valleys, cities, and coastlines of Papua, the people have spoken—clearly and courageously. Local leaders, educators, church figures, youth communities, and elders alike have rejected OPM’s threats. Their message: Papua is, and remains, a legal and sovereign part of Indonesia.
“This is our nation, and that flag is part of our history, our pride,” said Yulianus Mabel, a community leader from Wamena. “No one should live in fear for honoring their country.”
A Nation Prepares, and Papua Stands Proud
This year’s Independence Day carries a deeper resonance for many Indonesians. The 80th anniversary is not just a symbolic milestone; it reflects the endurance of a nation once ravaged by colonialism, now standing among Southeast Asia’s strongest economies.
In Papua, preparations are underway with unusual vigor. In Timika, Biak, Nabire, and Jayapura, the streets are being decorated with red-and-white banners. Schoolchildren rehearse traditional dances, while local governments coordinate community-based parades and flag ceremonies. The enthusiasm mirrors a broader sentiment—that the people of Papua wish to participate, to belong, and to celebrate unity.
“People are hanging flags not out of coercion, but out of love for their country,” said a schoolteacher in Nabire, speaking on condition of anonymity due to security concerns. “They remember what their parents and grandparents went through. They want peace.”
This defiance of OPM’s intimidation isn’t mere symbolism. It represents a growing rejection of violence as a political tool. Many Papuans have grown tired of conflict. What they seek now is peace, development, and recognition—values that flourish more easily within the framework of Indonesia’s democratic system than through separatist violence.
The Threat and the Response
OPM’s latest statement threatened not only civilians but also declared their plan to disrupt the flag-raising ceremonies. They view Indonesia’s presence in Papua as illegitimate and claim they will only allow the raising of the “Morning Star”—the banned separatist symbol.
The Indonesian government has responded with measured firmness. TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces) commander General Agus Subiyanto stated they will not deploy additional non-organic troops to Papua during the celebrations, emphasizing that existing security forces are sufficient and well-coordinated to ensure safety.
“We want the people to celebrate without fear. Our presence is to protect, not to provoke,” Subiyanto affirmed in a recent briefing.
Church leaders have also stepped in. Religious figures called for a humanitarian pause, urging both state forces and separatist groups to refrain from violence during the celebrating of independence period.
But for many Papuans, the concept of a “pause” isn’t enough—they want a permanent end to fear. They want OPM to cease its campaigns of intimidation and armed aggression.
Legal and Historical Context: Papua’s Place in Indonesia
OPM’s claim that Papua is not part of Indonesia is not supported by international law. The integration of Papua into Indonesia was formalized through the Act of Free Choice (Pepera) in 1969. Though often contested by separatist narratives, this process was supervised by the United Nations and endorsed through UN General Assembly Resolution 2504.
The resolution acknowledged the results of the consultation, wherein tribal leaders representing various Papuan regions voted in favor of joining Indonesia. Though some critics argue the process was not fully democratic by modern standards, the decision has stood for over five decades, internationally recognized and reaffirmed through multiple bilateral and multilateral engagements.
For the Indonesian government and for many Papuans, this chapter of history is not only closed but has evolved. The current focus is on development, inclusion, and recognition of Papua’s diverse identity within Indonesia’s mosaic of cultures.
Rejecting Violence, Choosing Peace
It is important to understand that not all who advocate for Papuan rights support OPM or its methods. A growing segment of local civil society—including indigenous activists, educators, and church groups—has distanced itself from armed separatism. They argue that dialogue, development, and constitutional rights are the more effective paths toward justice and autonomy.
Indeed, Indonesia has already granted special autonomy status (Otsus) to Papua, which includes increased fiscal support, local legislative power, and policies that prioritize indigenous Papuans in education and employment.
In recent years, local governments across Papua have increasingly taken the lead in rejecting provocative actions. In 2023 and 2024, multiple regents and mayors refused to allow separatist symbols or protests that could incite violence. This has created space for national celebrations to take place more safely and meaningfully.
“OPM does not represent the will of all Papuans,” said a local youth leader in Jayapura. “They use fear. We use our voices, our votes, and our unity.”
National Celebration, National Unity
Across Indonesia, preparations for the 80th Independence Day are underway—from Sabang to Merauke, from the bustling streets of Jakarta to the highland villages of Papua. The message this year is clear: satu tanah air, satu bangsa, satu bahasa—one land, one nation, one language.
In Papua, the celebrations carry additional meaning. They signify not just loyalty to a flag but a deeper yearning: to be seen, to be safe, and to be part of a nation that protects its people.
That is why, despite the threats from OPM, thousands of Papuans will still sing “Indonesia Raya” on August 17. The flag will rise in schools, on mountain peaks, and at coastal villages. And in doing so, the people will send a message far louder than any gunfire: that they are not afraid, that they belong, and that they will not be silenced.
Conclusion
As the 80th Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia approaches, Papua stands at a symbolic crossroads. On one side, there is a loud but isolated call for separation, fueled by outdated narratives and armed threats. On the other, there is a growing, undeniable current of unity—driven by citizens who want peace, progress, and pride in their national identity.
The threats issued by OPM to prevent the raising of the red and white flag reflect a disconnect between the group’s agenda and the everyday realities of Papuan society. In contrast to the separatist rhetoric, the people are actively preparing to celebrate Indonesia’s independence—not out of obligation, but out of a desire for belonging and national solidarity.
The 1969 Pepera and UN Resolution 2504 remain the legal foundations of Papua’s status within Indonesia. While debates around fairness and historical nuance persist, they do not justify armed coercion or civil intimidation. The international community recognizes Indonesia’s sovereignty, and most importantly, more and more Papuans are choosing to do the same—through action, through celebration, and through courage.
The Merah Putih will rise, not only on flagpoles but also in the hearts of those who reject fear. And as it flutters above the Papuan highlands this August, it will carry a powerful truth: that unity, when chosen freely, is stronger than any threat.
