PAPUA - Internal tensions within the body of the Papua Merdeka struggle organization have resurfaced following unilateral claims regarding government and military structures.
The Spokesperson for the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), Sebby Sambom, openly provided a deep clarification regarding the occurring dynamics, especially concerning the actions of Benny Wenda, which are considered to have exceeded organizational authority.
Sebby emphasized that within the body of the Papua Merdeka struggle today, there are indeed many factions claiming leadership, ranging from the West Papua Revolutionary Army (TRWP) to the West Papua Army formed by Benny Wenda.
The main focus of TPNPB's objection emerged when Benny Wenda announced a provisional government cabinet and unilaterally appropriated the names of TPNPB high-ranking officials into the structure. Responding to this, Sebby Sambom stated that the announcement had no valid basis for coordination.
"I was forced to clarify. I said, the spokesperson never ordered Benny Wenda to announce those names. So it was only possibly the initiative of brother Benny Wenda," Sebby said in a firm tone.
He added that according to organizational law, these actions constitute a serious violation that demonstrates the incredibility of a leader.
Sebby explained that TPNPB had carried out a military wing reform since 2012 to simplify the structure into one clear and legitimate national command. Regarding the claims of other military factions that have emerged recently, Sebby chose not to be bothered as long as they do not interfere with the TPNPB command line, which is already established on the ground.
"All those who claimed earlier, those shadow military wings, we consider—we will not take offense, they also have spirit—but we will not be influenced because we have a clear command, a clear field, clear troops," he said, explaining TPNPB's position.
Furthermore, Sebby explained that to combine two major organizational forces, ethics and standard rules of the game are required, not just the inclusion of names on paper. He cited the integrity process previously carried out by diplomat Amatus Douw, who moved from ULMWP to TPNPB with an official letter.
"If you want to invite us to enter another organizational structure, yes, there are organizational rules, that must be done. So this is manipulation or fabrication or snatching names, appropriating names. Ah, this is not allowed," Sebby emphasized while regretting the lack of collective collegial communication in Benny Wenda's maneuvers.
Responding to the confusion of the Papuan people regarding the many factions and differences of opinion, Sebby Sambom invited all parties to see this situation as a natural dynamic that must remain within the corridor of mutual respect.
He emphasized that all Papuan figures, whether in the forest or abroad, are national assets that must unite in elegant ways.
"What is more important is to be wise, authoritative in building communication with one another, so respecting each other, being humble is more important. We must work together, convey to the people the one goal of Papua Merdeka," he concluded, closing the statement with the hope that all Papuan national assets do not demean each other for the sake of group ego alone. ***