PAPUA - A moment of full meaning and hope was engraved at the Kiwirok District Field, Pegunungan Bintang Regency, Papua Mountains, when eight members of the TPNPB-OPM Kodap XV/Ngalum Kupel voluntarily declared themselves back to the embrace of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), Wednesday (10/6/2026). This event is not just a ceremony, but a symbol of the birth of a new determination to leave conflict and together build a peaceful and prosperous future.
The activity was attended by TNI elements, district government, village heads, community leaders, customary leaders, religious leaders, and hundreds of Kiwirok residents from 12 villages. The presence of all community elements is a form of support for the creation of peace and stability in the Bintang Mountains region.
The atmosphere of solemnity was felt since the Indonesian national anthem was played together. This moment was a reminder that unity and togetherness are the main foundation in building a safe, peaceful, and prosperous Papua.
In his remarks, Deputy Commander of the Operations Command (Wapangkoops) of the TNI, Brigadier General TNI Riyanto, S.I.P., M.M., expressed his gratitude for being able to set foot again in Kiwirok and witnessing various positive changes that continue to grow in the community. He recalled the long journey of the area and emphasized that the future of Papua is not built through hostility, but through brotherhood, dialogue, and cooperation.
"We all have the same hope, namely that children can go to school calmly, the community can garden and trade safely, and villages develop into places that bring prosperity to all citizens. Let's join hands to build Papua together. The TNI is ready to accompany the community in realizing a peaceful and prosperous Papua," he said.
With a humanistic approach, Brigadier General TNI Riyanto also invited brothers who are still in the forest not to hesitate to return to their families and communities. According to him, the door of peace is always open for anyone who wants to leave the conflict and help build their hometown.
The head of the Kiwirok District, Abdeus Tepmul, also expressed his appreciation to all parties who had maintained the security situation so that the community could now return to carrying out daily activities more calmly. He emphasized that the district government together with the community would continue to strengthen coordination with all related elements to accelerate recovery and development in Kiwirok and the 12 villages in its area.
The peak of the activities took place when eight members of TPNPB-OPM voluntarily handed over the Morning Star Flag, signed the pledge script, read a statement of loyalty to the Republic of Indonesia, kissed the Red and White, and handed over the weapons they had. This action symbolizes the courage to close the old page and choose a peaceful path for a better future.
The atmosphere of grief enveloped the procession. For the people of Kiwirok, this event is not only about the return of eight people to the embrace of the nation, but also about the birth of a new hope that peace can be realized through a humanitarian approach, mutual respect, and building trust.
After the oath ceremony was completed, the activities continued with social service, health services, hospitality, and a meal together between the Wapangkoops TNI Habema and the community in the field. This simple moment is a real picture that the closeness between the officers and the people can become a bridge to build mutual trust, which is an important foundation in creating stability and accelerating regional development.
The events in Kiwirok show that true peace is not only measured by the cessation of conflict, but also by the presence of the courage to forgive each other, open space for dialogue, and together shape the future. When communities can live in peace, children can learn without fear, health services run well, and development continues to move, then the hope for a peaceful and prosperous Papua is no longer just an ideal, but a reality that is being built together.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
