Papuaaround.com – The West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM) has announced a ban on the raising of the Indonesian national flag, the Merah Putih, in Papua on August 17, 2025. The group claims the move is intended as an educational measure for Papuan residents.
Central headquarters spokesperson Sebby Sambom stated that indigenous Papuans and residents of Papua should only raise the Morning Star flag, traditionally flown during ceremonies on December 1. He emphasized that the organization would not attack or engage in armed conflict with civilians who raise the Merah Putih. However, ceremonies involving the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) or police would be disbanded.
“We urge the TNI and police not to disguise themselves in order to raise the Merah Putih in Papua,” Sebby said via a messaging application on Saturday, August 2, 2025.
TPNPB-OPM has also designated several “conflict zones” in Papua where non-Papuan civilians and security forces are prohibited from entering or organizing Indonesian flag ceremonies. These areas include Yahukimo, Pegunungan Bintang, Nduga, Puncak Jaya, Intan Jaya, Maybrat, Dogiyai, Paniai, and Deiyai.
TNI Calls Ban a Form of Terror
The TNI described the ban as a form of intimidation. Colonel Candra Kurniawan, Head of Information for the XVII/Cenderawasih Regional Military Command, labeled the OPM’s statement as propaganda meant to instill fear among residents.
“In previous years, OPM has issued similar threats to prevent the raising of the national flag on August 17,” Candra said on Sunday, August 3, 2025.
He confirmed that the military, local government, community leaders, and civil society groups are working together to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Indonesian independence this year. Candra assured that the TNI will safeguard territorial integrity and protect civilians, both through community engagement and enforcement measures, without additional troop deployments.
MPR Chair Affirms Papuan Loyalty to Indonesia
People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Chair Ahmad Muzani expressed confidence that Papuans remain committed to Indonesia despite the threats.
“The love of the people, from Sabang to Merauke, will not be replaced by anything. That is extraordinary,” Muzani said in Jakarta on Sunday.
Local Priest Notes Limited Preparations
John Bunay, coordinator of indigenous priests across Papua, observed that Intan Jaya has shown little sign of Merah Putih displays ahead of Independence Day. Based on past years, he said Indonesian national flag raising ceremonies were often organized by the TNI or police and were usually limited to military or police posts due to security concerns.
Presidential Adviser: Majority of Papuans Support NKRI
Presidential defense adviser General (Ret.) Dudung Abdurachman dismissed the OPM’s threats as long-standing rhetoric. He asserted that the majority of Papuans—potentially up to 90 percent—support the Republic of Indonesia.
“The threats have been the same for years. Those who love the homeland are far more numerous. There’s no need to worry,” Dudung said on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.
