Prominent Papuan community and traditional leaders have voiced strong opposition to the commemoration of the July 1 anniversary claimed by the West Papua National Liberation Army–Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM), rejecting its symbolic assertion of Papuan independence and instead urging residents to safeguard peace and uphold national unity.
As July 1 approaches—a date which separatist groups celebrate as the “independence day” of West Papua—leaders across Papua and West Papua provinces have reiterated their commitment to the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) and warned against provocations that threaten regional security and harmony.
Firm Rejection from Customary Authorities
Yanto Eluay, a prominent traditional leader and the son of the late Theys Eluay, made a decisive public statement rejecting the legitimacy of July 1 as an independence day for Papua.
“We firmly reject July 1 as a commemoration of the TPNPB-OPM. The people of Papua want peace, not violence,” Yanto Eluay declared in a recent interview. “We want to build our land with development, education, and health—not with guns and fear.”
Eluay’s call is part of a broader wave of resistance among Papuan elders and religious leaders who have increasingly spoken out against the violence perpetuated by armed separatist factions. These groups—classified as terrorist organizations by the Indonesian government—have been responsible for attacks on civilians, teachers, health workers, and infrastructure across Papua’s highlands and remote areas.
Grassroots Appeals for Calm and Order
Organizations such as Merah Putih Irian Jaya and Parjal Manokwari have issued joint appeals to communities in West Papua to maintain public order (kamtibmas) and reject incitements from separatist actors.
“We urge all residents not to be provoked by separatist propaganda. Let us celebrate our identity as Papuans who are also Indonesians,” said the Chairman of Merah Putih Irian Jaya in a public statement. “July 1 is not our day—our real progress lies in unity, peace, and education.”
In Manokwari, community group Parjal Manokwari similarly encouraged youth and neighborhood leaders to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities to authorities.
“This is a time for togetherness. The provocations leading up to July 1 are intended to sow fear. We, the people, must be smarter than that,” said a Parjal coordinator during a public gathering.
Historical and Legal Context
The July 1 date refers to a unilateral declaration of independence made in 1971 by a small group of OPM fighters. However, it holds no legal standing either within Indonesia or in international law.
Papua’s status as part of Indonesia is firmly established through the New York Agreement (1962) and the Act of Free Choice (1969), which was overseen by the United Nations and legitimized by UN Resolution 2504. Although the referendum has been a point of contention among separatist groups, the international community widely recognizes Papua as an integral part of Indonesia.
Indonesia has further reaffirmed this status through the Special Autonomy Law (No. 21/2001), granting greater control to Papuan provinces over local governance, education, and development funding. The 2022 administrative division into new five Papuan provinces aimed to accelerate inclusive progress and better address local needs.
Rising Resistance to Violence
The TPNPB-OPM, often involved in guerrilla-style attacks, has continued to carry out operations that target civilians and security forces. Their actions have disrupted schools, hospitals, and transport routes, and have caused widespread fear in areas like Nduga, Yahukimo, and Intan Jaya.
“Their so-called struggle is harming the very people they claim to fight for,” said a local elder in South Papua who requested anonymity for security reasons. “We must say no to intimidation and yes to dignity through peace.”
The group made international headlines by kidnapping a New Zealand pilot, Philip Mehrtens on February 7, 2023 and killed another New Zealand pilot, Glen Malcolm Conning on August 5, 2024, an incident that drew global condemnation and highlighted the movement’s reliance on hostage-taking and violence as a tactic.
Community and Government Collaboration
Local governments in Papua have worked closely with religious leaders, traditional councils, and youth organizations to counter separatist narratives with messages of peace and cooperation.
Manokwari Regent Hermus Indou praised the increasing awareness and resilience of Papuan communities.
“The people of West Papua are no longer silent. They reject violence and embrace a future within the Republic,” Indou said. “It is this unity that will secure peace and prosperity for our children.”
Efforts are also underway to expand development programs in rural and mountainous areas—often the targets of separatist activity—through education, infrastructure, healthcare, and community policing.
Choosing Peace Over Provocation
Across the region, traditional leaders have echoed the same call: Papua’s future lies not in separatism, but in constructive dialogue and participation within Indonesia’s democratic framework.
“We must resist the temptation to glorify violence,” said a tribal leader from Jayapura. “Our young people must become doctors, engineers, and teachers—not soldiers in a doomed war.”
Their message is clear. July 1 is not a day for celebration, but a time to reflect on the true cost of conflict and to recommit to building peace, unity, and opportunity in the land of Papua.
Conclusion
The rejection of July 1 by a growing number of Papuan figures signals a crucial shift in public sentiment. As violence by the TPNPB-OPM continues to harm civilians and impede development, more Papuans are speaking out for peace, progress, and the integrity of Indonesia. With sustained efforts in education, development, and community engagement, Papua’s path forward may yet lead to a lasting and inclusive peace.
