JAKARTA: In anticipation of the upcoming Free Papua Movement (OPM)
anniversary, the National Police aim to increase security measures in
the easternmost province.
National Police chief Gen. Timur
Pradopo said the police had received information about a plan by OPM
members to hold a flag-raising ceremony during the commemoration, which
is scheduled for July 1.
“We hope people will remain calm.
Military personnel will assist our police officers to secure the
region,” he said on Wednesday, adding that he did not have any plan to
send additional police officers to the province.
Papua Police
spokesman Sr. Adj. Comr. Johannes Nugroho Wicaksono said police would
prevent OPM members from raising the banned Morning Star flag, which is
regarded as an OPM symbol, tempo.co reported.
“We will remove their flags, but we won’t use excessive force. No weapons will be used,” he said.