Papua Police chief denies had detained pro-independence group

Police had denied claims that they have arrested more than 1,000 people in papua who staged a rally yesterday to demand Indonesia held an independence referendum in the easternmost province of the country.

"It was ridiculous. We did not arrested them, we did not detained at all. We just ordered them to dispense," said Papua Police Chief Inspector. Gen.Paulus Waterpaw on wednesday.

Paulus said, the government had instructed the police to ensure security in Papua amid the ongoing activities of the group that impose the seperation of the province from Indonesia.

"They are trying to deny the constitutional state. They are hiding in the name of freedom of expression and an attempt to internationalize the issue." Gen.Paulus asserts. "The police have a responsibility to fight their propaganda," he added.

Police said that an anti-Indonesia groups called West Papua National Committee (KNPB) were behind the mobilization of communities in papua and has often tried to organize massive demonstrations. 

"We never let them do that, because their main purpose is to separate Papua from Indonesia," he said.

According to the Legal Aid Institute (LBH), a series of demonstrations have taken place in Jayapura, Baliem, Fakfak, Sentani, Sorong, Timika and Yalimo as well in Malang, East Java.

"I welcome LBH to come to us and talk about the issue and instead of releasing provocative material to the public," said Paulus.

There is also the actions in Papua calling for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua to be recognized as a full member of MSG.



source:
TheJakartaPost