The name KKB has been changed to OPM, here are the differences

JAKARTA – Mention KKB for rebel groups in Papua has been changed to OPM by TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto. Many people think the two terms are the same, but actually there are fundamental differences.

The change in the name KKB (Armed Criminal Group) to OPM (Free Papua Organization) is because the rebel group in Papua calls itself the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB). To achieve its goals, this group does not hesitate to carry out terror, even killing civilians, members of the TNI and Polri. This group also raped teachers and health workers.

“Because they themselves call themselves TPNPB (West Papua National Liberation Army) so they are the same as OPM,” said Agus in Menteng, Central Jakarta, Wednesday (10/4/2024).

“I will take firm action against what OPM is doing. There is no country within a country,” he said.

Military and Intelligence Observer, Susaningtyas Nefo Handayani Kertopati believes that the name OPM is more suitable for the rebel organization in Papua. This also provides support for the military to carry out its military operations. The term KKB itself is felt to be incompatible with existing developments which threaten the sovereignty of the state, especially the Papua region.

Difference between KKB and OPM

1. Naming History

The differences between the KKB and OPM are clearly visible if you look at their history. Initially, this rebel group emerged under the name OPM in 1965 to end the government of the Provinces of Papua and West Papua, which was previously called Irian Jaya.

OPM began to be labeled a criminal organization in 1996 when they killed two hostages from a European research group visiting Papua. From there the term OPM began to be changed to Armed Criminal Group or KKB. This group is also considered to be a separatist movement, which could threaten the integrity of the country. If any KKB member is caught, they will be immediately imprisoned because of the crime they committed.

KKB itself is known to often carry out its actions in mountainous areas in Papua. Several districts that are currently considered vulnerable to their actions include Puncak, Yahukimo, Nduga and Intan Jaya.

2. OPM is considered to have a worse stigma

Although according to Susaningtyas Nefo Handayani Kertopati, the name OPM was deemed appropriate for the organization, there were different views that emerged. One of them emerged from the Chairman of the Centra Initiative Management Board, Al Araf. According to him, this change could create a negative stigma towards the Papuan people.

Apart from that, Al Araf also stated that the mention of OPM tends to strengthen the military’s approach in dealing with conflict.

Al Araf suggested that the government and TNI prioritize a dialogical approach in resolving the conflict in Papua. “Not by naming the terms OPM and military operations,” he said.

That is an explanation regarding the differences between KKB and OPM that you need to know. However, basically these two names are the same for armed groups calling for the Free Papua movement in Papua.

(abd)