Papuans banned from flying flags

Papuans banned from flying flags

JAYAPURA, Papua: As Papua's independence anniversary draws near,
the Papua provincial administration reiterated its demand on
Friday for Papuan residents to refrain from marking the
occasion.

Residents are banned from flying Kejora flags or other
paraphernalia associated with the separatist movement in the
province. They are also prohibited from holding ceremonies to
celebrate the Dec. 1 anniversary, said Papua Governor JP Salossa.

He said that Papua had been incorporated into Indonesia in
1963, so that all Papuans had to abide by Indonesia laws and
regulations.

The separatist movement has been waging low-level guerrilla
warfare in the province since 1963. The revolt intensified in
1998, with the fall of Soeharto. -- JP