Already 458 former members of the Free Papua Organization ( OPM ) have declared themselves to have returned to the Republic of Indonesia and were then empowered through various kinds of work.

As stated by the Regent of Puncak Jaya, Yuni Wonda, who claimed that there were hundreds of former OPM who now have a better life because they have got permanent jobs.

“There have been hundreds of former OPM members who have been employed as Satpol PP members , honorary employees, ASN, and nurses , ” said Yuni,

She revealed that the main reason former OPM members returned to the Republic of Indonesia was because of welfare factors.

So far, explained Yuni, they have been living in the forest because they were avoiding being chased by the authorities. However, on the other hand, they also pay attention to development developments in society.

The Kapendam XVII Cenderawasih, Colonel Inf Muhammad Aidi, also conveyed the same thing regarding the reasons why Telangga Gire, former aide to Goliath Tabuni, OPM leader in Puncak Jaya, returned to the Republic of Indonesia.

“Every day we only eat petatas and taro taken from the residents’ gardens, while development in the villages and cities is progressing and the residents are living in prosperity,” said Aidi, conveying Telangga Gire’s words.

According to him, Telangga, who has 13 children from four wives, wants to work well and send all his children to school so that one day they can have a better life.

Aidi claims that Telangga will also appeal to his former colleagues who are still in the forest to immediately follow in his footsteps so that they can have a normal life

Author: JS

Travel Vlogger, Journalist,