The government has stated that the deadly clashes in Jayapura and Wamena, which took place on Monday, are being orchestrated by an international organisation.
The suggestion is the organisation is aiming to attract attention to the province.
According to Coordinating Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Minister, Wiranto, Monday’s unrest was affiliated to the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), led by Benny Wenda, a UK-based Papuan exile. Both parties are affiliated to the National Committee of West Papua (KNPB).
“The Free Papua movement seems to be showing its existence by provoking the public to commit anarchy, which only harmed themselves,” Wiranto stated. He further added that the separatist groups aimed to lure security forces to commit human rights violation against the protesters. They also aim to raise the ongoing issue to the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Indonesia’s Police Chief, General Tito Karnavian also agreed with Wiranto. “The unrest was designed to get international attention during the annual UN General Assembly, which started on Monday,” Tito explained. However, Wiranto and Tito confirmed that the situation is currently under control.
Earlier, protesters vandalised and burned several buildings in Wamena and Jayapura. At least 27 civilians are known to have died during the protests. Tito explained that the protests were fueled by baseless allegations. A teacher had been accused of racism by calling a Papuan student a ‘monkey’ last week. However, he maintains that the police are currently investigating on whether or not the incident actually took place.
Source: The Jakarta Post
Image: Wartakota