Papua residents block road

JAYAPURA, Papua: Angry residents blocked the road connecting Jayapura and Abepura following the Jayapura General Elections Commission's decision to exclude their candidates from the Jayapura mayoral election on June 28.

The residents said they were supporters of Jan Hendrik Hamadi and his running mate Bangun Manurung, who were ruled ineligible to contest the election by the commission.

The residents blocked the road with burning tires from 7 p.m. on Wednesday until 1 a.m. on Thursday, preventing anyone from traveling between the two cities.

The road was opened after Jayapura Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Paulus Waterpau met with Jan Hendrik Hamadi and his supporters.

"We are not satisfied with the commission's decision but we will protest without disturbing other residents," Jan said. -- JP