Menerawang Sejarah Organisasi Papua Merdeka

Summary

This video delves into the historical journey of Papua's independence struggle, focusing on the pivotal role of the Organization of Papua Merdeka (OPM). The transcript traces the origins of the movement back to the 1960s, from the New Guinea Council's formation to the controversial New York Agreement, leading to the integration of Papua into Indonesia. Key leaders, such as Seth Roemkorem, Jacob Prai, Kelly Kwalik, and Goliat Tabuni, are highlighted for their resistance efforts. Despite international support, internal divisions and military suppression have complicated OPM's fight, prompting questions on potential solutions to the ongoing conflict.

Takeaways

• 😀 The OPM (Organisasi Papua Merdeka) was formed in the 1960s as a pro-independence movement for Papua, aiming to stop Indonesia's occupation and establish an independent Papua Barat.
• 😀 Papua's struggle for independence traces back to the 1961 formation of the New Guinea Council, which declared the region's desire for independence and its national symbols, including the 'Bintang Kejora' flag.
• 😀 Indonesia's military intervention and the 1962 New York Agreement shifted Papua's governance from the Netherlands to the UN, and eventually to Indonesia, which was seen as a betrayal by many Papuans.
• 😀 The 1969 referendum (Pepera), which saw Papua integrated into Indonesia, intensified the conflict and gave rise to armed resistance by the OPM.
• 😀 In 1971, the OPM declared the independence of the Republic of Papua Barat, adopting a national constitution and gaining international support from countries like Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
• 😀 Despite international support, internal divisions, especially between leaders like Jacob Prai and Seth Roemkorem, weakened OPM’s cohesion and effectiveness as a unified resistance movement.
• 😀 OPM's leadership further fragmented in the 1980s due to Indonesian military pressure, with figures like Kelly Kwalik and later Goliat Tabuni emerging as key leaders in local resistance movements.
• 😀 The OPM's operations were notably active in areas like the Freeport mine in Mimika, where the group launched attacks in 2002, highlighting their continued resistance to Indonesia's control of the region.
• 😀 After Kelly Kwalik’s death in 2009, Goliat Tabuni led the OPM in expanding their operations across Papua, strengthening their influence and eventually being seen as the movement's highest authority in 2012.
• 😀 Despite negotiations under President Jokowi, the OPM's armed struggle continues to this day, with groups allegedly behind attacks on infrastructure projects like the Trans Papua road in Nduga.
• 😀 The ongoing conflict in Papua remains unresolved, with no long-term peace solution in sight, as Indonesia faces challenges in balancing military action, political reform, and addressing Papuan aspirations.

Q & A

What is the historical background of the Organisasi Papua Merdeka (OPM)?

OPM's history dates back to 1961 when the New Guinea Council, formed by the Dutch, declared Papua Barat as the name for their future state and introduced the Bintang Kejora flag. After Papua's integration into Indonesia in 1963, the movement emerged as a resistance group advocating for an independent Papua.

What was the significance of the New York Agreement in 1962 for Papua?

The New York Agreement of 1962 transferred authority over Papua from the Netherlands to the United Nations Temporary Executive Authority (UNTEA), and later to Indonesia. The agreement excluded Papuan nationalists from the decision-making process, which led to widespread discontent and the rise of OPM.

What was the role of the 'Penentuan Pendapat Rakyat' (Pepera) in the Papuan independence movement?

Pepera, held in 1969, was a controversial referendum where only a small group of Papuans voted on whether to integrate with Indonesia. Many Papuans viewed the referendum as a betrayal, and it intensified resistance movements, including OPM, which opposed the integration with Indonesia.

How did OPM formalize its movement for independence in 1971?

In 1971, OPM declared the independence of the Republic of Papua Barat and adopted a constitution, signaling their commitment to an independent Papua. This declaration was backed by symbols of national sovereignty and aimed to galvanize resistance against Indonesian rule.

Who were the key figures in OPM during its early years?

Two key leaders in OPM's early years were Seth Roemkorem, a former pro-Indonesian military figure, and Jacob Prai, an anti-Indonesian university graduate. Their leadership played a pivotal role in shaping OPM's direction, though internal conflicts eventually weakened the movement.

How did OPM gain international support?

OPM garnered support from various international actors, including Pacific nations such as Tuvalu and Vanuatu, as well as moral backing from the Netherlands. This international attention helped legitimize the group's struggle for Papua's independence.

What challenges did OPM face in maintaining effective leadership?

OPM struggled with internal leadership conflicts, particularly between key figures Seth Roemkorem and Jacob Prai. These tensions, coupled with military pressure from Indonesia, led to fragmentation within the organization and hindered its ability to operate cohesively.

What role did Kelly Kwalik play in the OPM resistance?

Kelly Kwalik emerged as a prominent local leader in the 1980s and led OPM's activities in the Freeport mining areas in Papua. His leadership continued to influence the group's actions until his death in 2009, after which Goliat Tabuni took over.

How did Goliat Tabuni contribute to OPM's efforts in the 2000s?

Goliat Tabuni became a central figure in OPM after Kelly Kwalik's death. He expanded the group's activities across more districts and became a key target for Indonesian authorities, particularly after his rise to prominence in the early 2010s.

What has been the Indonesian government's response to OPM's armed struggle?

Indonesia has attempted to suppress OPM's armed resistance through military action and diplomatic efforts. Despite occasional attempts at dialogue, such as with Goliat Tabuni, the armed struggle continues, especially in regions like Nduga, where OPM remains active in attacking infrastructure projects.