JAYAPURA (Pacific Scoop / Pacific Media Watch): Thousands of protesters have staged a new pro-independence rally in Indonesia’s restive and resource-rich Papua region, demanding a referendum for self-determination, Agence France-Presse reports.
More than 3000 native Papuans, some in traditional grass skirts, walked 13 km from Abepura city to the provincial capital Jayapura to meet local lawmakers.
“The Papuan people have asked for an immediate referendum for self-determination. We reject any dialogue with Jakarta,” protest coordinator Mako Tabuni said. “The referendum is non-negotiable.”
Dozens of armed police attempted to block the protesters but failed to stop them from reaching the local House of Representatives in Jayapura, where another 100 police waited on guard.
“We hope the protest doesn’t turn anarchic,” a local police chief, Ari Sirait, said.
Last month, armed security forces stormed a pro-independence assembly when a group of Papuan leaders declared the region’s independence and raised the pro-independence Papuan Morning Star flag.
At least three were killed in the October 19 clash, and videos recently broadcast on Australian television showed police beating unarmed protesters, including children.
For decades, indigenous Papuans have rejected the region’s special autonomy status within Indonesia and poorly armed pro-independence groups have fought a low-level insurgency.
A self-determination “Act of Free Choice” referendum in 1969 that officially handed Jakarta power over Papua was widely seen as rigged.
Indonesia has strict treason laws and courts have handed down stiff penalties — from 20 years in jail to life — for people caught with independence symbols such as the Papuan Morning Star.