The Armed Criminal Group, abbreviated as KKB, is a Papuan separatist group that frequently carries out a series of deadly acts. This group has now become a movement with a long history of violence and terror, resulting in the deaths of police officers, Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), and even civilians.
Before changing its name to KKB, this group was formerly known as the Free Papua Movement (OPM). This organization was founded in 1965 to end the government of the provinces of Papua and West Papua, formerly known as Irian Jaya. The change from OPM to KKB was also intended to shift the paradigm in dealing with separatist groups in Papua.
This group has a strong desire to break away from Indonesia. Therefore, the OPM frequently advocates for a referendum to achieve independence from the Republic of Indonesia. To achieve this goal, they have engaged in several criminal acts that have claimed lives.
In response to this movement, the government has implemented a series of development policy measures, including adopting a compromise policy by granting Special Autonomy to Papua and allocating a substantial budget. However, this budget has not reached the grassroots level. This is what fueled the KKB’s massive resistance, leading to numerous criminal acts. If any member of this group is arrested, it is almost certainly for criminal offenses.
The KKB (Indonesian Armed Forces) is a group that aims to liberate Papua from Indonesia. This is consistent with the history of the KKB’s formation. Because its primary goal is to separate Papua from the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), this group is considered a separatist movement that could threaten the nation’s integrity.
Contradictions of Dreams and Facts
In a speech on December 1, 2022, at Oxford City Hall, Benny Wenda delivered a passionate narrative about his version of the facts about Papua. Benny Wenda also outlined his dream of a desired nation, using various terms such as a green nation vision, showcasing the progress of the struggle, seeking global recognition, a humanitarian crisis, human rights violations, and a request to sit down with the Indonesian government.
At first glance, Benny Wenda’s speech, with its choice of words, could be considered a brutal lie before the eyes of the world. The extraordinary narratives in his speech contradict the actions and actions of the Armed Forces (KKB) in Papua. Rather than fighting for the people’s welfare, this group has revealed its true face as an enemy of Papuan progress by burning down schools, destroying health facilities and civilian homes, brutally murdering and raping, and thus hindering the bright future of Papuan children.
As a recent example, the KKB burned down the only elementary school in Kiwirok District, where hundreds of Papuan children were studying. This heartbreaking incident, which occurred on Monday, October 13, 2025, is proof that the KKB truly desires the backwardness of Papuan society, not true independence that will educate the people of Papua.
KKB Torch School Building Again in Papua’s Kiwirok District
The school burned by the armed armed group (KKB) was the only educational facility in the remote village. The fire engulfed classrooms, the library, and learning equipment that had served as a window to the world for the mountain children.
According to residents, the arson was carried out by a group of heavily armed members of the KKB, who accused the school of being a “government tool to brainwash Papuan children.” They opposed the presence of teachers, whom they considered “Pro-NKRI,” even though the teachers had worked with dedication, even walking for hours every day to teach.
“We came to teach and build their future, not to be attacked. The children here have extraordinary enthusiasm. Now they are crying because they have lost their place to learn,” said Ms. Maria Wonda, one of the teachers who has been evacuated.
This anarchic act is not the first of its kind. In the past two years, more than eight educational facilities in the Central Highlands and Intan Jaya regions have been burned or damaged by the armed armed groups (KKB). The pattern remains the same: attacking schools, expelling teachers, and spreading fear.
These heinous acts clearly betray the values of the struggle, as do the deviant speeches and false narratives of Benny Wenda and the separatist groups. The KKB’s actions demonstrate that the armed group is not fighting for the Papuan people, but rather is blocking the community’s access to education and progress.
“If they are truly fighting for the Papuan people, they should support education, not destroy it. These children are our future. Burning schools is burning our hopes,” asserted Yonas Tabuni, a Kiwirok community leader.
In addition to Yonas Tabuni, local religious figure, Reverend Lukas Murib, also condemned the OPM’s actions in burning down the school. He called the act a betrayal of humanitarian values and the teachings of love.
“Those who burn down the school are actually burning their own consciences. Because God does not teach hatred, but love and development. Education is the light for Papua’s future, and burning it down means rejecting that light,” he said.
This heinous act has once again opened the world’s eyes: the OPM are not freedom fighters, but rather obstacles to the future. They not only shot at security forces, but also shot at the hopes of Papuan children who want to escape the darkness of ignorance.
Burning down the school means burning down the nation’s future. Papua does not need terror and hatred; it needs education, peace, and constructive love.
The condition of Bahar bin Saleh, a stabbing victim of the armed criminal group (KKB), when found by residents.
The Armed Criminal Group (KKB) has again carried out terror and murder against civilians. A man named Bahar bin Saleh (55) died after being stabbed in the yard of the GIDI Siloam Church, Jalan Poros Logpon Kilometer 4, Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency, Tuesday evening, October 14, 2025. The victim’s pickup truck which was near the location was also burned by the perpetrator.
The Head of Operation Peace Cartenz, Brigadier General Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, in a press statement released Wednesday (10/15), explained that at around 8:05 p.m. WIT, the victim was suddenly attacked from the entrance while in the church courtyard. Although he tried to flee into the church area, the perpetrator continued to pursue him and stabbed him repeatedly until he fell to the ground.
An eyewitness, a local tribal chief, shouted to stop the perpetrator. However, the perpetrator continued his attack even though he was in the area of a place of worship.
“The local tribal chief tried to stop the perpetrator by shouting, ‘Don’t, I’m the tribal chief,’ but the perpetrator continued his attack,” said Faizal.
The victim was then taken to Dekai Regional Hospital by residents, but was pronounced dead from severe stab wounds to the stomach, chest, and head. The victim’s four-wheeled vehicle was also found burned.
The location of Bahar bin Saleh’s stabbing in Dekai, Yahukimo. Photo: Papua Police Public Relations
Police recovered several pieces of evidence at the scene, including a burned Hilux, a car key with black blood stains, a brown knife found on the victim’s body, and over IDR 10 million in cash.
Following the incident, a joint team from the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force and the Yahukimo Police immediately arrived at the scene to pursue the perpetrator, search the area around the church, and secure the area.
The Deputy Chief of the Cartenz Peace Operation, Senior Commissioner Adarma Sinaga, stated that initial investigations indicated the perpetrator was a member of the KKB (Armed Group) from the XVI Yahukimo Regional Military Command (KODAP). This group is known to be active in the area of Jalan Poros Logpon, Kilometer 4.
“The perpetrator of the stabbing is suspected to be part of the KKB, claiming to be Kodap XVI Yahukimo, which has been active in the area of Jalan Poros Logpon, Kilometer 4,” he said.
The funeral of Bahar bin Saleh, a stabbing victim in Dekai, Yahukimo. (Photo: Papua Police Public Relations)
Adarma said the victim was identified as a driver who was helping with preparations for the inauguration of the GIDI Siloam Church, originally scheduled for today. Due to the incident, the church inauguration was postponed.
The death of Bahar bin Saleh adds to the number of victims of the KKB’s brutality against civilians. This incident also serves as clear evidence of the KKB’s brutality, which continues to carry out indiscriminate armed crimes, including in healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and places of worship.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto established the Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Special Autonomy Development in Papua. The formation of the Executive Committee was officially marked by the inauguration and oath-taking of the chairman and nine members at the Presidential Palace on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
Based on Presidential Decree Number 110/P of 2025 concerning the Appointment of the Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Special Autonomy Development in Papua, the ten members appointed by President Prabowo to this committee are: Velix Vernando Wanggai (Chairman of the Exco), John Wempi Wetipo (Exco member), Ignatius Yogo Triyono (Exco member), Paulus Waterpauw (Exco member), Ribka Haluk (Exco member), Ali Hamdan Bogra (Exco member), Gracia Josaphat Jobel Mambrasar (Exco member), Yanni (Exco member), John Gluba Gebze (Exco member), and Juharson Estrella Sihasale (Exco member).
This committee’s primary mandate is to coordinate, oversee, and accelerate the implementation of all development programs in the Papua and Southwest Papua regions. Some of the committee’s strategic tasks include cross-ministerial and institutional coordination to synchronize Papuan development programs, monitoring and evaluating the use of Special Autonomy (Otsus) funds to ensure they are targeted, ensuring the sustainability of social, economic, and infrastructure development, and reporting program implementation progress directly to the President.
Indonesia Focuses Development on the Welfare of the Papuan People
President Prabowo Subianto has positioned Papua as a key focus for national development. With its abundant natural resources, strategic location, and significant human resource potential, Papua is expected to become a new center of economic growth in eastern Indonesia.
Through the establishment of the Special Autonomy Executive Committee, the government seeks to strengthen integrated and transparent development governance, eliminating overlapping policies between the central and regional governments.
This step also addresses various development challenges in Papua, such as infrastructure inequality, educational equity, and limited economic access for local communities. Furthermore, the executive committee includes the direct involvement of indigenous Papuans with experience in governance, regional development, and public policy. This aligns with the government’s affirmative action principle of providing greater space for local communities to become key actors in development in their homeland.
The establishment of the Papua Special Autonomy Executive Committee also affirms the Indonesian government’s commitment to national sovereignty and its continued focus on a welfare-building approach in Papua, encompassing both physical development and inclusive social and economic development. Therefore, the grand vision of “Papua Maju, Indonesia Emas 2045” is now no longer just a slogan, but a concrete commitment by the government to deliver equitable, inclusive, and sustainable development for all Papuans.
President Prabowo Subianto inaugurates the Chair and Members of the Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Papua’s Special Autonomy Development at the State Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
Public Support for Government Policy
The establishment of the Papua Special Autonomy Executive Committee has been welcomed positively by various groups, including academics, traditional leaders, and civil society organizations. Many see this step as a confirmation of President Prabowo Subianto’s commitment to equitable development in eastern Indonesia.
The Papuan people also hope that this policy will not only focus on infrastructure projects, but also on human development and strengthening the people’s economy. Several traditional leaders in Jayapura even expressed their appreciation to the central government for appointing many Papuan figures to the committee’s leadership structure.
“We are proud that this time many Papuan children are directly involved. We want to be part of this change,” said Yanni, a member of the Committee and a Papuan women’s figure.
Indrajaya, a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) from the National Awakening Party (PKB) faction for the South Papua electoral district, applauded President Prabowo Subianto’s inauguration of the Papua Development Acceleration Executive Committee. He stated that the establishment of this committee is a strategic step to accelerate equitable development and improve the welfare of the people of Papua.
“The formation of the Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Development in Papua is a significant breakthrough. This committee is expected to become a forum for coordination and innovation of people-oriented policies and to accelerate equitable development throughout Papua,” said Indrajaya in a written statement in Jakarta on Sunday (12/10/2025).
This member of Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) believes the committee can serve as a bridge of coordination between the central government and the six provinces in Papua, ensuring that all development programs are synergistically implemented and have a real impact on the community.
Furthermore, Indrajaya hopes the Executive Committee can oversee the eight major agendas within the contextual Astacita framework for Papua, which encompass political, economic, infrastructure, and governance development.
“The primary focus must be on developing Papua’s human resources, particularly in the education and health sectors, as these two areas are the main foundations of regional progress,” he said.
Meanwhile, the General Chair of the Catholic Youth, Stefanus Gusma, stated that the formation of this committee is a progressive step in strengthening the state’s attention to Papua.
“We congratulate the elected figures on this Executive Committee. We appreciate the President’s decision to establish this committee as a concrete manifestation of his attention to strategic issues in Papua,” Gusma said in Jakarta on Friday (10/10).
The Catholic Youth hopes that the committee newly inaugurated by President Prabowo will work optimally, effectively, and collaboratively in supporting the Vice President’s work on the Papua Steering Committee in accelerating development in Papua.
The Millennial Generation KKB carried out various brutal and sadistic actions
Armed criminal groups (KKB) in Papua are aggressively recruiting young people and millennials. They are called the Millennial Generation KKB, which is considered more sadistic and brutal.
This assessment is based on their increasingly brutal actions and disregard for local customs. They have even attacked religious leaders, raped teachers, and even killed Papuans.
Brigadier General Faizal Ramdhani, Head of the Cartenz 2025 Peace Task Force, revealed that the KKB has now entered its third generation, with characteristics that differ significantly from its predecessors.
While the KKB generation from the 1960s to the early 2000s still upheld customary values and traditional war ethics, the new group has completely disregarded these norms.
“The perpetrators of this millennial generation are in their 30s and under. They no longer adhere to Papuan customs. In the past, the KKB never harmed teachers, religious leaders, or health workers. Now, all of that is being violated,” said Brigadier General Faizal.
He cited a tragic case several years ago, when teachers were gathered in an official residence and raped by their own former students who had now joined the KKB.
“The ones who raped him were his students. All traditional values were violated,” he said.
Furthermore, Faizal emphasized that the millennial armed groups (KKB) are active in five of the 14 conflict-prone regencies in Papua and do not hesitate to kill fellow Papuans.
“Previously, senior groups would not act on Sundays or in December out of respect for the holy month. Now, they act on any day,” he said.
The Cartenz Peace Task Force called for interagency collaboration to combat this radicalization.
“The National Police and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) cannot work alone. It requires synergy from all policymakers to address the Papuan issue comprehensively,” Faizal emphasized.
The Papuan Student Alliance (AMP) organization is intensively carrying out deconcentration in various regions to support the KKB OPM movement.
Millennial Generation’s KKB Mobilization is Higher
The same explanation was also expressed by the Head of the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT), Commissioner General of Police Boy Rafli Amar in an exclusive interview with The Interview in Jakarta, Thursday, April 28, 2022. According to him, the KKB which often causes trouble in several areas in Papua recently is undergoing a regeneration process from the older generation to the younger generation.
Some of them, especially a number of people identified as group leaders, are the third generation or children of the bigwigs of the separatist group the Free Papua Movement (OPM).
“They are at a stage where they have a high desire to commit violence, continuing the traditions of their predecessors—their parents and their grandfathers,” he said.
With their generally young age, the millennial generation of armed criminal groups (KKB) has high financial mobility to carry out various actions against various targets with brutality. Therefore, security forces, joint forces within the Cartenz Peace Task Force (ODC), and regular officers must remain vigilant and highly prepared to maintain the security and safety of citizens.
Illustration / KKB OPM burns down residents’ businesses in the Bintang Mountains
The Organisasi Papua Merdeka (OPM), also known as the Free Papua Movement, is a separatist group advocating for West Papua’s independence from Indonesia. Formed in the 1960s amid disputes over the region’s integration into Indonesia, OPM has engaged in armed insurgency for decades, escalating into what Indonesian authorities classify as terrorism. In 2025, OPM-linked violence has intensified, marked by ambushes, kidnappings, and attacks on civilians and security forces, contributing to a surge in political unrest in Papua. According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), Papua experienced a significant rise in political violence in 2024 and 2025, the most violent years since tracking began, with OPM responsible for a growing share of incidents. This violence not only targets Indonesian military and police but also endangers Papuan communities, exacerbating displacement and economic disruption.
Key Incidents in 2025
OPM’s activities in 2025 have been particularly deadly, with over 40 fatalities reported by mid-year—surpassing half of 2024’s total of 74 deaths. A notable escalation occurred in April, when OPM claimed responsibility for killing what they described as “intelligence agents” in Yahukimo Regency. Indonesian Ministry of Defense officials dismissed these claims as “misleading disinformation,” arguing that the group’s actions amounted to extrajudicial killings aimed at terrorizing non-Papuans involved in development projects. The incident involved an ambush that left several victims, highlighting OPM’s tactic of targeting perceived collaborators.
In May, violence flared in the central highlands, with OPM ambushing mining workers and security convoys. ACLED reported April as the deadliest month for mining-related victims, accounting for over 40% of conflict fatalities that month. These attacks, often using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and small arms, disrupted operations at key sites like the Grasberg mine, a major copper and gold producer. By June, unrest had spread to coastal areas, including Sorong, where OPM was linked to arson on construction equipment tied to infrastructure projects.
Earlier in the year, on March 3, reports emerged of OPM raids in remote villages, including forced displacements and alleged sexual violence against women in affected communities. A Wikipedia compilation of the Papua conflict notes extensive credible reports of such atrocities, tracing patterns back to OPM’s guerrilla tactics but intensifying in 2025 amid resource disputes. In August, a documentary-style report from Honi Soit described ongoing “violent occupation” dynamics, with OPM’s actions including displacement of thousands to assert control over contested territories.
Recent social media discussions on X (formerly Twitter) echo these events, with users like @PapuaBlog labeling OPM’s insurgency as “escalated violence” involving kidnappings and ambushes that displace thousands and breed terror rather than freedom. Another post from the same account in late September debunked international media portrayals, accusing OPM of hoaxes while emphasizing their role in civilian attacks.
Impacts on Communities and Economy
The human toll is staggering. Beyond the 40+ deaths in the first half of 2025, OPM violence has displaced over 10,000 people, many indigenous Papuans caught in crossfire. ACLED data indicates that civilians, including miners and teachers, comprise a rising proportion of victims—up to 30% in some months—due to OPM’s strategy of intimidating development workers. Sexual violence and mass killings, as documented in historical estimates from scholars like De R. G. Crocombe, persist, with 2025 seeing credible reports in highland skirmishes.
Economically, the insurgency hampers Papua’s growth potential. Foreign investments in mining and palm oil, worth billions, face delays; for instance, the Grasberg mine saw production dips of 15% in Q2 2025 due to security halts. Intelligence Fusion’s analysis, though from 2023, underscores how OPM’s increasingly sophisticated tactics—now including drone surveillance—coincide with rising foreign stakes, potentially deterring $5 billion in annual inflows. Locally, villages in Yahukimo and Puncak report food shortages from disrupted supply lines, worsening stunting rates already at 28%.
Indonesian responses, including military operations, have drawn criticism for collateral damage, but OPM’s actions are decried as the primary driver of terror. The Jakarta Post quoted defense officials in April stating that OPM seeks to “create terror, especially among non-Papuans,” fueling ethnic tensions.
6 teachers killed by KKB OPM
Broader Context and International Dimensions
OPM’s violence stems from grievances over the 1969 Act of Free Choice, viewed by separatists as rigged, though affirmed by the UN. In 2025, amid Prabowo Subianto’s presidency, the group has exploited social media for propaganda, claiming solidarity with global causes while rejecting dialogue. Jacobin’s June report highlighted increased highland violence, attributing it to heavier military deployments but noting OPM’s role in perpetuating the “forever war.”
Internationally, coverage varies: Nikkei Asia tracks the death toll’s rise, while Polis180’s March piece frames it against colonial legacies, estimating civilian-targeted events at 20-25% of total violence. On X, pro-unity voices like @PapuaBlog stress that all West Papua regents are indigenous, showcasing local democracy and rejecting OPM’s “fringe violence” since 1998 reforms.
Pathways Forward
Addressing OPM violence requires balancing security with root causes like inequality. Indonesia’s Otsus (Special Autonomy) funds, totaling trillions annually, aim to boost development, but critics argue more inclusive dialogue is needed. As ACLED notes, without de-escalation, 2025 could eclipse prior years’ tolls. Ultimately, OPM’s campaign, while rooted in aspiration, has morphed into a cycle of terror harming the very people it claims to liberate. Peace in West Papua demands rejecting violence for unity and prosperity.
The OPM armed group burned down Kiwirok State Junior High School in Sopamikma Village, Kiwirok District, Pegunungan Bintang, on Tuesday (October 7, 2025). Photo: ODC Public Relations Task Force
The Armed Criminal Group (KKB), or TPNPB, the military wing of the Free Papua Movement (OPM), burned down the Kiwirok State Junior High School building in Sopamikma Village, Kiwirok District, Pegunungan Bintang Regency. The crime occurred at 7:45 a.m. WIT this morning.
Monitoring the situation revealed approximately 16 unidentified individuals carrying out the arson attack on the educational facility. The Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force, along with the Border Security Task Force from Yonif RK 753, the Prayuda Task Force (Mamta), the BAIS Task Force, the Rajawali Task Force, and the Kiwirok District Police, immediately responded to the scene. However, the perpetrators had already fled towards Delpem Village.
To prevent further violence, the team then established security in Mangoldolki Village, not far from the scene, to anticipate the arson of Kiwirok Public Elementary School. Head of the Cartenz Peace Operations, Brigadier General Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos, S.I.K., M.H., strongly condemned the arson.
“The attack on the school is a heinous act that targets the future of Papuan children. This is not only a crime against the state, but also against humanity. We will continue to pursue the perpetrators and ensure the Kiwirok area remains safe,” said Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani on Tuesday (October 7, 2025).
According to him, this is not the first time the Kiwirok State Junior High School building has been targeted by the armed criminal group (KKB). In 2021, the same school was also burned down by the group.
“Since then, teaching and learning processes have been forced to move to Oksibil 1 State Junior High School in Oksibil City,” he said.
Cartenz Peace Operations Deputy Chief, Senior Commissioner Adarma Sinaga, S.I.K., M.Hum., also appealed to the public to remain vigilant and not be easily provoked. He confirmed that the Cartenz Peace Operations Task Force reaffirms its commitment to maintaining security, protecting the community, and enforcing the law in Papua.
“We ask the public to remain calm and immediately report any suspicious movements. Security forces are always present to protect and ensure the safety of residents,” said Senior Commissioner Adarma Sinaga.
By: Usman Manor(Historical Source Analyst, Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia)
Indonesia is a country with a vast expanse. With a land area of 1,892,410.09 km², a sea area of 6,653,341.493 km², and 17,001 islands, Indonesia is the largest country in Southeast Asia (BPS, 2024). Its territory is larger than Western Europe, which is only approximately 1,500,000 km² (Mulya, 2013). This vast expanse is considered Indonesia’s advantage, but it often also creates problems. One of the main issues facing Indonesia is accessibility for residents, particularly in outermost and border regions.
Outermost and border regions are strategically located and face direct contact with other countries (Utomo, 2010). If compared to a house, Indonesia’s outermost and border regions are like porches that reveal the face of Indonesia. However, Indonesia’s border and outermost regions appear to be lagging behind rather than progressing. Issues of inequality, leading to vulnerability and poverty, are deeply embedded in the periphery of a country rich in natural resources and a cultural powerhouse. Yet, Indonesia’s natural and cultural richness should reflect the well-being of indigenous communities inhabiting these outermost and border regions.
Similar conditions are experienced by the indigenous people of Lepo’ Ma’ut, Lepo’ Ke, Oma’ Long, Sa’ban, Lepo’ Ndang, Nyibun, and Punan who inhabit the Malianu Regency, North Kalimantan Province. All of these indigenous people come from the Dayak Kenyah, Nyibun, and Ngorek tribes (sidakerta.kemdikbud.go.id, 2024). The indigenous people, numbering 343 heads of families, live in the villages of Apau Ping, Long Berini, Long Kemuat, Long Alango, Long Tebulo, and Long Uli, Bahau Hulu District (brwa.or.id, 2024). As a front porch from a Malaysian perspective, the indigenous people of Lepo’ Ma’ut, Lepo’ Ke, Oma’ Long, Sa’ban, Lepo’ Ndang, Nyibun, and Punan actually face various problems.
The rise of stigmatization, minimal educational services, and the widespread seizure of customary territories, especially customary forests, are daily problems faced by indigenous communities. In fact, the recognition and guarantee of the rights of indigenous communities have been stated in the 1945 Constitution, Article 18 (B) paragraph 2, namely: The State recognizes and respects customary law community units and their traditional rights as long as they are still alive and in accordance with the development of society and the principles of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia as regulated by law. In addition, the indigenous communities of Lepo’ Ma’ut, Lepo’ Ke, Oma’ Long, Sa’ban, Lepo’ Ndang, Nyibun, and Punan have actually been supported by Malinau Regency Regional Regulation Number 10 of 2012 concerning the Recognition and Protection of the Rights of Indigenous Communities in Malinau Regency (brwa.or.id, 2024). In addition to the Regional Regulation, in 2019 the Regional Government issued Malinau Regent Decree Number 189.1/k.335/2019 concerning the Recognition and Protection of the Great Bahau Hulu Indigenous Community in Malinau Regency (brwa.or.id, 2024).
The vulnerabilities faced by the indigenous communities of Lepo’ Ma’ut, Lepo’ Ke, Oma’ Long, Sa’ban, Lepo’ Ndang, Nyibun, and Punan are exacerbated by the issue of food security. Furthermore, the lack of attention and education for women and children in the region contributes to the increasing vulnerability. Women and children are the benchmarks for a community’s sustainability. This also impacts the lack of documentation and the lack of opportunities for cultural advancement. Vulnerable food security and a lack of support for community rights contribute significantly to the erosion of cultural preservation and the weakening of welfare. Indigenous communities are indeed cultural reservoirs.
The conditions of the Lepo’ Ma’ut, Lepo’ Ke, Oma’ Long, Sa’ban, Lepo’ Ndang, Nyibun, and Punan indigenous communities in North Kalimantan are just a few examples of the vulnerabilities faced by indigenous communities. In general, many indigenous communities still live on the border, but receive little attention from stakeholders. Changing the term “outermost” to “frontier” in border areas has not changed the perspective on sustainable development in Indonesia, so outermost areas have not been prioritized. However, changing sustainable development priorities that prioritize indigenous communities in outermost areas will change perspectives on national resilience, both from the perspective of indigenous communities and from the perspective of communities in other countries that live side by side with indigenous communities.
Shifting Development Paradigms
The economic, social, and cultural vulnerabilities experienced by the indigenous peoples of Lepo’ Ma’ut, Lepo’ Ke, Oma’ Long, Sa’ban, Lepo’ Ndang, Nyibun, and Punan require a shift in development approaches. This shift begins with a long-term investment orientation for indigenous communities in outermost regions, focusing on developing human resources in addition to supporting infrastructure. Providing balanced nutrition, providing adequate education services, providing adequate healthcare facilities, providing good housing and sanitation facilities, and providing social assistance and affirmative action for indigenous communities are the initial steps in developing human resources in indigenous communities in outermost regions.
Often, efforts to develop indigenous communities are only explicitly translated into infrastructure development. However, developing indigenous communities requires an implicit translation that has a greater impact on their sustainability, namely the fulfillment of basic rights, including education and health. Addressing the issue of fulfilling basic rights for indigenous communities in outermost regions remains unevenly implemented and strategically planned. Furthermore, the fulfillment of rights remains partial and sectoral, without involving many stakeholders. Furthermore, the fulfillment of indigenous peoples’ rights in outermost regions is not sustainable.
Developing indigenous communities in outermost regions through the fulfillment of basic rights is interpreted as building national resilience. A solid foundation in the form of culture passed down from generation to generation by indigenous communities will serve as the primary foundation for building national resilience. Therefore, fulfilling basic rights for indigenous communities is crucial, particularly in efforts to safeguard their culture from the threat of extinction. If indigenous cultures decline, their resilience will falter. This condition will gradually impact national resilience. In other words, national resilience is heavily influenced by cultural resilience, while cultural resilience requires a stimulus in the form of fulfilling basic rights for indigenous communities.
A development orientation that focuses on long-term investment requires a strong foundation. However, indigenous communities currently lack a more implementable reference than Article 18 (B) paragraph 2 of the 1945 Constitution. The mandate of the 1945 Constitution to draft laws that operationalize the recognition and guarantee of indigenous peoples’ rights remains absent. Yet, the vulnerability of indigenous communities should reflect the importance of a more operational legal framework. The vulnerability of indigenous communities will slowly erode their cultural identity. Yet, indigenous communities possess a wealth of local wisdom, embodied in traditional knowledge and technology, which serve as cultural pathways and additional options for addressing challenges and vulnerabilities.
“Bakar Batu”, Traditions of the Indigenous Papuan People
The Role of Stakeholders in Maintaining Borders and Maintaining the Sustainability of Indigenous Communities
The indigenous communities of Lepo’ Ma’ut, Lepo’ Ke, Oma’ Long, Sa’ban, Lepo’ Ndang, Nyibun, and Punan currently lack options for maintaining their livelihoods in border areas. However, all stakeholders can open up these options through collaboration and good practices in the form of policy alignment. This alignment begins with accelerating the ratification of the Draft Law on Indigenous Legal Communities, which is mandated by Article 18 (B) paragraph 2 of the 1945 Constitution. The draft law has been pending for almost a decade, leaving the recognition process for indigenous communities in limbo. A law that is more operational than the 1945 Constitution will strengthen the recognition of indigenous communities, thereby safeguarding their basic rights and the space within which they live. Following the ratification of the Draft Law, the creation of regulations in the form of Government Regulations and Presidential Regulations, which contain implementation rules and the roles of various parties, will increasingly demonstrate the role of all stakeholders in preserving the lives of indigenous communities.
The development of comprehensive regulations will not only protect the Lepo’ Ma’ut, Lepo’ Ke, Oma’ Long, Sa’ban, Lepo’ Ndang, Nyibun, and Punan indigenous communities living in the border region between Indonesia and Malaysia, but will also encourage the recognition of the rights of other indigenous communities. In addition to the development of regulations, Indonesia currently lacks data and distribution maps that specifically describe indigenous communities living in outermost and border areas. Therefore, the absence of such data and maps can be an opportunity for collaboration between various parties to compile data and maps that will later serve as references in formulating policies for indigenous communities in outermost and border areas. The development of such data and distribution maps is not only the responsibility of Ministries/Institutions, but also the responsibility of Regional Governments, Academics, the Media, the Private Sector, and Partnerships (NGOs). The availability of such data and distribution maps will facilitate the development of affirmative action programs for indigenous communities in outermost and border areas.
Ultimately, culture-based development that prioritizes local wisdom among indigenous communities in outermost and border regions requires pentahelix intervention. Indigenous communities in outermost and border regions should be viewed as cultural hubs that can nurture diversity. Within indigenous communities, at least, traditions, traditional knowledge, and traditional technologies exist, providing alternatives to address current and future vulnerabilities. However, the culture that lives within indigenous communities requires preservation efforts through human resource development and the fulfillment of basic rights for indigenous communities. Therefore, the cultural path, seen as an alternative solution for development, requires space to thrive among indigenous communities. This cultural path will open up Indonesia’s outermost regions, showcase its natural and cultural riches, and encourage good practices in maintaining national resilience, with indigenous communities as the primary actors and a reference for all stakeholders in fostering unity.
Customary Territory Registration Agency. (2024). The Greater Bahau Hulu Customary Territory. https://brwa.or.id/wa/view/UzFObUltelJHVzg. Accessed October 11, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. WIB.
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John Anari, West Papua Liberation Organization (WPLO) figure
The propaganda spread by John Anari, a prominent figure in the United States-based West Papua Liberation Organization (WPLO), is a provocative move to mislead international public opinion regarding the situation in Papua. In his claim, Anari stated that he participated in the Third Plenary Session of the Fourth Committee of the UN General Assembly in New York and submitted a petition for the decolonization of West Papua and New Caledonia. This claim is not only baseless but also constitutes a form of information manipulation aimed at creating the impression that Papua is still a colony. In fact, Papua’s status as a legitimate part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) has been affirmed through legitimate political and international legal processes since the Act of Free Choice (Pepera) in 1969 and recognized by the UN through Resolution 2504.
The issue of “colonization” continually raised by John Anari and his group is nothing more than an old political strategy repeatedly used by separatist groups to garner international attention. They attempt to obscure the historical fact that Papua is an inseparable part of the Republic of Indonesia, which has been independent since 1945. Papua is not a product of Indonesian colonization, but rather the result of a long diplomatic struggle by the Indonesian people to end Dutch colonialism throughout the archipelago. The process of Papua’s integration through the Act of Free Choice (Pepera) was carried out legally and witnessed directly by representatives of the United Nations (UN), Australia, and the Netherlands. As a result, the majority of Papuans declared their independence from Indonesia, and this decision was recognized by 84 UN member states without a single objection. This historical fact provides a strong basis for the accusation of Indonesian colonialism against Papua being false and manipulative.
In addition to the issue of colonization, John Anari also frequently accuses Indonesia of human rights violations in Papua as a way to project a negative image of the Indonesian government. These accusations are often removed from their true context and raised unilaterally without valid evidence. The Indonesian government itself has taken various concrete steps to uphold justice and ensure the protection of human rights in Papua, including through legal approaches, dialogue, and inclusive socio-economic development. The accusations promoted by Anari and his group only aim to discredit Indonesia’s efforts to maintain stability and the welfare of the Papuan people.
It is important to understand that the narrative of human rights violations often promoted by separatist groups is in fact at odds with the reality on the ground. It is armed groups like the West Papua National Liberation Front (TPNPB-OPM) that frequently commit violence against civilians, health workers, and teachers in the Papuan interior. This violence is the primary source of suffering for the Papuan people. Security forces exist to protect citizens and maintain peace, not to oppress. However, John Anari deliberately ignores this fact in order to construct an international perception that Indonesia is guilty, while the perpetrators of violence are painted as “freedom fighters.”
John Anari’s move to bring the Papua issue to the UN forum also lacks legal legitimacy or official support from any international institution. The UN itself has dismissed the issue of Papua’s decolonization since 1969, citing its legal status as part of Indonesia. Therefore, Anari’s efforts are merely personal political maneuvers attempting to exploit human rights and decolonization issues to garner international attention and sympathy. Yet, the international community recognizes that development in Papua continues to progress rapidly, and the special autonomy policy provides significant space for the Papuan people to govern and advance their own region. Therefore, the Papuan people need not be provoked by the misleading propaganda of John Anari and the WPLO. Indonesia is fully committed to developing Papua through an approach of welfare, dialogue, and respect for human rights. The government’s efforts to strengthen infrastructure, education, health, and the economy of the Papuan people are clear evidence that Papua is not a marginalized region, but rather a vital part of Indonesia’s future. It is time for the international community to view Papua through the lens of development and progress, rather than through the false narratives created by separatist groups seeking international attention and sympathy.
Melani, a resident of Jalan Sosial, Sentani, was known as a dedicated educator and had taught children in remote Papua for many years.
She had taught in Holuwon District for several years as part of Yappenda’s basic education program, which collaborates with religious institutions in Papua.
The victim’s body was evacuated on Friday (October 10) using a Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) PK-MVK aircraft, accompanied by a companion, to Wamena, before being flown to Sentani.
Yahukimo Police Chief, AKBP Zeth Zalino, confirmed the incident. He said the victim was found with serious injuries following an attack by two armed criminals carrying sharp weapons.
The Yahukimo Police Chief revealed that the assault incident came to light after a student saw two KKB members armed with sharp weapons (machetes) approaching the location where teacher Melani was.
The student then reported the incident to another witness, who then arrived at the scene. There, Melani was found in critical condition and covered in blood.
Realizing the victim’s serious condition and the difficult-to-access location, she, along with several other teachers and construction workers, was evacuated to Wamena by two MAF aircraft.
During the flight to Wamena, Melani died. Her body was then flown to Sentani and is currently at Bhayangkara Hospital in Jayapura for further investigation.
The motive and perpetrators of the assault are still under police investigation.
A joint Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI)-Indonesian National Police (Polri) team has been deployed to conduct searches and secure the area around Holuwon.
The police have promised to continue to thoroughly investigate the assault that killed Melani M. Wamea and ensure the legal process continues until the perpetrators are apprehended.
The body of Melani, a teacher who was a victim of the armed criminal group (KKB) in Holuwon, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands, arrived at Bhayangkara Hospital in Jayapura. (Yahukimo Police document)
A Series of Violence Against Teachers in Yahukimo
Melani’s case adds to the long list of violence against educators and healthcare workers in Yahukimo Regency.
Previously, in March 2025, a group of armed men suspected of being part of the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) attacked teachers and healthcare workers in Anggruk District.
In that incident, 10 teachers and healthcare workers were killed, including Rosalia Rerek Sogen, a teacher who died at the scene.
The attacks were carried out over two days by approximately 15 perpetrators armed with sharp weapons. Several injured victims were evacuated to Wamena and Sentani by humanitarian mission aircraft.
Several humanitarian organizations, educational organizations, and religious leaders strongly condemned the violence against teachers and medical personnel in the Papua Highlands.
They called on security forces to strengthen surveillance in remote areas and ensure the safety of public service personnel serving in the region.
Para pelaku kerusuhan antar warga yang terjadi di Babarsari, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta pada Sabtu (02/07/2022), kini tengah diproses hukum oleh Polda DIY. Peristiwa kerusuhan tersebut diwarnai dengan aksi pengrusakan tempat hiburan dan menyebabkan korban luka-luka hingga cacat permanen.
Direktorat Reserse Kriminal Umum Polda DIY menetapkan lima tersangka dalam kasus tersebut, yaitu dua tersangka terkait keributan di Kafe MG di Seturan, Caturtunggal, Kecamatan Depok dan tiga tersangka lainnya terkait kekerasan di Jambusari, Condongcatur, Depok, Sleman.
Sementara itu, kasus tersebut telah mengakibatkan Dibrilian Jornes Tawarisi Rumbewas, seorang mahasiswa semester akhir di Institut Teknologi Nasional Yogyakarta, asal Papua mengalami cacat permanen akibat kekerasan senjata tajam.
Menanggapi hal tersebut, Mahasiswa asal Papua di Kota Kupang, Yabres Malyo, meminta pihak Kepolisian memberikan penegakan hukum secara tegas terhadap para pelaku (26/07).
” Kami terus memantau perkembangan proses hukum terhadap para pelaku. Kami menuntut keadilan karena ada saudara kami yang jadi korban cacat permanen,” katanya.
Menurut Malyo, kekerasan dan aksi brutal yang dilakukan oleh oknum atau kelompok warga harus diberantas karena sangat meresahkan, bahkan merugikan warga, apalagi menyebabkan korban cacat.
Dirinya mengajak seluruh mahasiswa Papua dan masyarakat untuk mengutus tindakan-tindakan anarkisme tersebut.
“Kita merantau untuk belajar supaya masa depan baik. Tapi kalo sudah cacat permanen, maka suram juga masa depan,” katanya.
Hal senada juga disampaikan Melky Tibul, Mahasiswa asal Papua lainnya di Kota Kupang. Dirinya menegaskan dukungan kepada aparat penegak hukum untuk memproses secara adil dan tegas atas para pelaku.
“Kami dukung aparat penegak hukum untuk bertindak secara tegas dan adil agar jadi pelajaran bagi pelaku maupun warga lainnya bahwa aksi-aksi kekerasan itu sangat tidak dibenarkan dan merugikan orang lain,” katanya.
Dirinya mengajak seluruh mahasiswa Papua di Kupang dan di semua daerah di tanah air untuk tidak terprovokasi terhadap berbagai provokasi atas nama suku, etnis, agama, dan kelompok yang dapat menyebabkan benturan antar kelompok warga.
Dirinya, juga berharap seluruh mahasiswa asal Papua dan kelompok masyarakat untuk menolak segala bentuk kekerasan dan aksi premanisme yang mengganggu keamanan dan ketertiban masyarakat.
The Melanesia Indonesia 