Blood and Compromise

Amidst the din of post-reform politics, West Papua’s demand for freedom is intensifying. As in Aceh, the shouts are not limited to armed guerillas. In a changing situation, the Free Papua Organization (OPM) must either change its strategy or face extinction. But, does the real OPM truly exist? How strong are they? What’s their political map like?

January 16, 2001

TEMPO reporters Wenseslaus Manggut and Kristian Ansaka traced their history. They also interviewed several prominent figures from both sides—West Papua and Indonesia—including Chief of Military Area XVII (Pangdam XVII) Trikora, Brig. Gen. Tonny A. Rompis, before he was killed in a plane crash last week.

Presented by Bina Bektiati and Hermien Y. Kleden.

Arso is its name. Located on the West Papua-PNG border some 73 kilometers from

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