Foreign Minister called to act on arrests of peaceful demonstrators across Indonesia.
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.