Irianese forbidden to hoist "Morning Star"

FAKFAK, Irian Jaya: Police publicly banned on Wednesday the hoisting of Papua's Morning Star flag in Fakfak regency, saying that such action could trigger further disturbances.

Irian Jaya Police chief Brig. Gen. S.Y. Wenas said the ban was in response to fears by local residents that hoisting ceremonies for the Morning Star flag could create unrest.

He added that the police would take any necessary action to prevent the public from hosting the flag and wearing outfits espousing Papuan independence.

The aspiration to establish a Free Papua was initially aired by Papuans in Sorong, Manokwari, Biak and Nabire.

"Fakfak residents are just imitating them," Wenas said as quoted by Antara.

He claimed that the aspiration for an independent Papua was mainly due to the unjust treatment the indigenous people had received during the New Order era, but the plan to establish a separate country was going too far, as all Indonesians had to endure such unjust treatment in the past, not only the Papuans. (lup)