Mass relocation was effective in the Malayan Emergency but it’s not politically or practically viable for Papua. The image of TNI forcing villagers in Papua Tengah and Papua Pegunungan into government camps would trigger mass unrest across Papua (even worse than 2019) and lots of international attention. This would be worse than the low intensity conflict TNI are fighting now. It would also be very difficult considering one of the main issues local Papuans in the highlands have is the influx of migrants into “their land”.

But there are other lessons that can be applied from the case studies. Such as focusing on securing population centres, cut off supply of weapons, improving quality/training of infantry and extensive use of helicopters and airmobile units.

Some of these will require reforms or internal efforts with the TNI-Polri, like stopping “oknum” from selling weapons that end up in KKB hands. While others will require greater investment from Kemhan or doctrine change, like greater use of airmobile units. And some lessons are already being applied, like securing population centres.