On May 28, 2025, two separate attacks occurred at hospitals in Wamena and Dekai, leaving police officers injured and communities shaken. These incidents, attributed to the Free Papua Movement (OPM), have sparked widespread condemnation and a unified call for peace and justice across the region.
Attacks on Law Enforcement
In Wamena, Bripka Marsidon Debataraja, a traffic police officer, was escorting a traffic accident victim to the Regional General Hospital (RSUD) when he was shot by an unidentified assailant. The attacker fired from outside the hospital’s fence, hitting Bripka Marsidon in the chest. He was immediately taken into the hospital for emergency treatment. The perpetrator fled the scene on a motorcycle and remains at large.
Later that evening in Dekai, Yahukimo Regency, another officer, Josua Ridwan Oberlin Nainggolan, was attacked with a sharp weapon while visiting a family member at RSUD Dekai. He sustained serious injuries and was transferred to Bhayangkara Hospital in Jayapura for further medical care. These coordinated attacks have raised concerns about the increasing boldness of OPM’s tactics, targeting security personnel in civilian spaces.
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Community Outrage and Rejection of Violence
The assaults have been met with widespread condemnation from various sectors of Papuan society. Traditional leaders, community organizations, and local residents have expressed their disapproval of OPM’s actions, emphasizing the importance of peace and unity.
Fatrah M. Soeltief, Chair of the Indigenous Community Institution (LMA) of Sorong City, stated that the OPM’s actions do not reflect the aspirations of the majority of Papuans, who desire peace and development. He urged the public to be vigilant against provocations and misinformation spread by separatist groups.
Similarly, traditional leaders like Hengky Heselo from Jayawijaya and Yuranus Jikwa from the Lapago region have called on communities to reject OPM’s provocations and support efforts to maintain security and order.
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Security Forces Respond with Determination
In response to the attacks, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the National Police (Polri) have intensified their efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and restore security. Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani, head of Operation Peace Cartenz, confirmed that investigations are underway and that security measures have been heightened in the affected areas.
The TNI has reiterated its commitment to maintaining stability in Papua, emphasizing that it will not be provoked by OPM’s attempts to incite conflict. Lieutenant Colonel Inf Candra Kurniawan, Head of Information for the XVII/Cenderawasih Military Regional Command, stated that the military’s approach is centered on protecting the community and upholding peace.
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A Unified Stand for Peace
The recent attacks have galvanized communities across Papua to stand united against violence and support efforts to maintain peace and order. Collaborative initiatives between local residents and security forces have been instrumental in countering OPM’s influence and ensuring the safety of civilians.
As Papua navigates these challenging times, the collective resolve of its people to reject violence and embrace unity serves as a beacon of hope for a more peaceful and prosperous future.
Conclusion
The recent attacks on police officers in Papua, allegedly carried out by the Free Papua Movement (OPM), have sparked widespread condemnation and reaffirmed the public’s support for peace and law enforcement. It has also united communities, traditional leaders, and national authorities in rejecting provocation and supporting decisive action against perpetrators. Overall, the situation reflects both the challenges and the resilience of a society striving for unity and stability amidst efforts to disrupt it.
