On 1 December peaceful demonstrations for West Papua’s freedom in many centres were met with a harsh crackdown by Indonesian security forces. The demonstrations marking West Papua’s national flag day, were held in Jakarta and many other Indonesian cities as well as in West Papua. At least 300 people were arrested, and many injured. In Surabaya demonstrators were confronted by a militia group armed with sharpened bamboo. The widespread protests across Indonesia represent a new era of activism in support of West Papua by Indonesian communities and it is outrageous that they are being attacked by security forces for peacefully expressing their views.
West Papua Action Auckland is calling on the Minister of Foreign Affairs to respond urgently to this outrage against the internationally guaranteed rights of the Papuan people and their supporters to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression.
On 1 December well-supported solidarity flag raising ceremonies were held across Aotearoa. The people are responding to the pleas of their West Papuan neighbours and it is time for the Government to take note and take action.
