12 Vietnamese stranded in Maluku

TUAL, Maluku: Twelve Vietnamese boat people became stranded in Tual, Southeast Maluku Regency, on Thursday, while making their way to Australia.

Adj. Sr. Comr. Rana S.P., chief of the Southeast Maluku Police Precinct, said here on Friday that the Vietnamese boat people would be handed over to the local immigration office.

"The boat people have been placed in a building in the police barracks in town for the time being while waiting for the local immigration office's decision on whether they will be deported to their home country or allowed to continue their journey to Australia," he said.

He said that during their stay in the town, the boat people would be cared for by the local police for humanitarian reasons.

Sorong students reject autonomy

SORONG, Papua: A group of students staged a demonstration at the regency legislature building in Sorong on Thursday, rejecting the newly-passed law on Papua's special autonomy.

Wearing headbands, the demonstrators said the Papuan people needed more than special autonomy to help solve the prolonged conflict in the province.

"We no longer have confidence in the Jakarta government," said a student demonstrator.

The demonstrators narrowly avoided clashes with security personnel from the local police and military when they tried to force their way into the building.

Lt. Col. Bachtiar, chief of the Sorong military subdistrict, called on the demonstrators to avoid disruptive actions when airing their political aspirations.

"All people are allowed to air their aspirations but it must be done in line with the law," he said, warning that security personnel would take strict measures against unruly demonstrations.