Security tight ahead of Dec. 1 in Biak

The Jakarta Post, Antara

The situation in Biak Numfor, Papua, remained secure on Tuesday, one day before separatists planned to celebrate the province's independence on Wednesday, a senior police officer said.

Biak Numfor police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Wirawibawa said on Tuesday there had been no protests in the area in the past few days and the security situation was under control.

"People should heed a recent call by Papua Governor Jaap Salossa not to celebrate Papuan independence on Dec. 1," Wirawibawa said.

He said police would take stern action against those who celebrated the anniversary as this would be interpreted as an act of treason.

Treason is punishable by death under Indonesian law.

Papua had been controlled by Indonesia since 1963 and all Papuans should abide by Indonesian laws and regulations, he said.

Police have tightened security in many parts of the region ahead of the anniversary.

Wirawibawa said extra officers had been deployed to help police to safeguard the area.

Earlier Salossa banned residents from flying Kejora flags or displaying other paraphernalia associated with the separatist cause.

The separatist movement has waged low-level guerrilla revolt in the province since 1963, when Indonesia first took effective control of Papua after it became independent from the Dutch.