OPM Bakar Bendera Merah Putih di Pegunungan Bintang

Summary

The Free Papua Movement (OPM) carried out a symbolic protest on August 7, 2025, by burning red and white flags in Pegunungan Bintang Regency, Papua. The OPM's action, which involved seizing flags from Indonesian military and police personnel, was a rejection of what they view as Indonesian colonialism. While avoiding violence, the OPM emphasized their aim to prevent direct confrontations and expressed their opposition to Indonesian sovereignty in Papua. This protest is part of the broader OPM campaign leading up to Indonesia's Independence Day, where they continue to advocate for Papuan independence.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Free Papua Movement (OPM) burned red and white flags in Pegunungan Bintang Regency, Papua, on August 7, 2025.
• 😀 OPM spokesperson Sebi Sambom explained that the flags were seized from roadside installations and directly taken from TNI and Polri personnel.
• 😀 The flag-burning action was a symbolic protest against what OPM views as Indonesian colonialism in Papua.
• 😀 Despite the provocative nature of the act, Sebi emphasized that there was no violence against the security forces during the action.
• 😀 The OPM militia disarmed security personnel found carrying firearms or ammunition but did not engage in physical abuse.
• 😀 OPM issued a warning for security officers to leave the Papua region and reminded them not to fly the Indonesian flag there.
• 😀 Sebi stated that the OPM seeks to avoid direct clashes, as long as their fighters abide by their own rules.
• 😀 This flag-burning action is part of the OPM’s broader campaign leading up to the August 17th commemoration, rejecting Indonesian independence ceremonies in Papua.
• 😀 The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) had not received an official report regarding the flag seizure and promised to verify the accuracy of the claims.
• 😀 TNI’s Colonel Candara Kurniawan indicated they would investigate the matter before providing more information.
• 😀 The transcript includes a symbolic message against Indonesia, with phrases like 'We don’t want the red and white flag' and calls for 'Bakarak star' instead.

Q & A

What was the main action carried out by the Free Papua Movement on August 7, 2025?

The Free Papua Movement (OPM) burned several red and white flags in Pegunungan Bintang Regency, Papua, as a symbolic act of rejecting what they call Indonesian colonialism in the region.

How did the OPM obtain the red and white flags they burned?

According to OPM spokesperson Sebi Sambom, the flags were taken either from the roadside or directly seized from Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and National Police (Polri) personnel who were installing them at various locations.

What was the purpose of the OPM's flag-burning action?

The flag-burning action was intended as a symbol of the OPM's rejection of Indonesian colonialism in Papua and was part of their broader campaign to protest Indonesia’s presence in the region.

Did the OPM engage in any violent actions during the flag-burning incident?

No, despite the provocative nature of the action, Sebi Sambom emphasized that no violence was used against the TNI and Polri personnel. Instead, the OPM only disarmed them without physical harm.

What warning did Sebi Sambom give to the Indonesian security forces in Papua?

Sebi Sambom warned Indonesian security forces to leave Papua immediately and reminded them of the prohibition on flying the red and white flag in the region.

How does the OPM approach the risk of direct clashes with Indonesian forces?

The OPM aims to avoid direct clashes, provided their fighters do not violate the terms set by their leadership. This approach seems to be aimed at limiting escalation while still expressing their dissent.

What event does the OPM's campaign coincide with, and why is this significant?

The OPM's campaign is intensifying ahead of Indonesia's August 17th independence commemoration, during which they openly reject participating in or acknowledging Indonesia’s independence celebrations in Papua.

How did the Indonesian military respond to the OPM's flag-burning action?

The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) had not received an official report about the flag seizure at the time of the report. Colonel Candara Kurniawan stated that the accuracy of the information would be checked before providing further updates.

What does the OPM spokesperson, Sebi Sambom, say about the symbolism of the red and white flag in Papua?

Sebi Sambom emphasized that the OPM does not want the red and white flag to be flown in Papua, expressing a desire for the 'Bakarak star' to be recognized instead, symbolizing a rejection of Indonesian identity and governance.

What underlying message is conveyed through the OPM's actions and statements in the transcript?

The OPM's actions and statements convey a deep resistance to Indonesian rule in Papua, with a strong emphasis on rejecting symbols of Indonesian sovereignty, such as the red and white flag, and an insistence on Papua's independence and self-determination.