A total of 154 members of the Free Papua Organization (OPM) declared to re-united to the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
Based on the official press release of the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) Army, 154 members of the OPM arrived at Sinak Village, Sinak District of Puncak Jaya Regency on March 15, 2017. Accompanied by the Koramil commander 1714-04/Sinak Lettu Inf Yusuf Rumi and the pastor Zakarias Tabuni, they came together to the Regent of Puncak Jaya Wilem Wandik to declare stop arms and join back to Indonesia. Also present in that important moment are members of the Regional People’s Legislative Assembly (DPRD) of Sinak electoral district, a number of SKPD Puncak Regency, traditional leaders and other religious leaders.
Their return to Indonesia is due to the approach of the 1714-14/Sinak Lettu Inf Yusuf Rumi. The return of this armed group, started from one of the sympathizers of Sinak-Yambi group named Utaringgen Telenggen accompanied by Reverend Zakarias Tabuni came to Makoramil 1714-04/Sinak on Wednesday 15 March 2017 at 14.30 WIT.
Furthermore, at the inauguration ceremony of BPD Papua Office by Regent of Puncak Wilem Wandik on Monday 20 March 2017 at 13.15 WIT, Utaringen Telenggen along with 154 people accompanied by Danramil 1714-04 / Sinak Lettu Inf Yusuf Rumi met the Regent Peak and expressed his desire to go down the mountain and returned to the NKRI.
They returned not without reason. They felt that they are getting nothing during followed the armed separatist movement led by Lekagak Telenggen and Gombanik Telenggen. The Regent of Wilem held a symbolization of their return to the Unitary Republic of Indonesia with the submission of a red-and-white flag. After that, they are allowed to return to their respective villages.
As is known, Utaringgen Telenggen and 154 other former OPM sympathizers came from Toemarib Village, Weni Village, and Rumagi Mageabume District, Puncak Regency which is the border area with Yambi District of Puncak Jaya Regency. There were several requests from the ex-separatists. First, they ask for security guarantees from TNI and Police of The Republik of Indonesia (Polri) after they surrender because their decision is believed to make their former leaders angry and it endangers their safety and family. Secondly, they also asked the local government to build Honai (traditional house of indigenous Papuans) that is feasible and healthy to live in. TNI, Police, and local authorities agreed to meet their requests.
Keywords: Papua, West Papua, NKRI, OPM, separatists-movement, TNI, Papuans, security guarantees, TNI, Polri
References:
Fabian Januarius Kuwado, 154 OPM Menyatakan Diri Kembali ke NKRI, http://nasional.kompas.com/read/2017/03/24/12363381/154.opm.menyatakan.diri.kembali.ke.nkri
Sucipto, 154 Anggota OPM Kembali ke Pangkuan Indonesia, https://nasional.sindonews.com/read/1191332/14/154-anggota-opm-kembali-ke-pangkuan-indonesia-1490357652
