Seven people detained over flag-hoisting

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): Seven people, including two Germany-based journalists, were still being detained on Friday in Timika, following a violent incident on Thursday over the separatist West Papua Morning Star flag.

The seven people detained are Yosefa Alomang, Izak Ondoame, Hiskia Mariabun, Bruno Katagame, Marlon Tahrin and two Germans, identified only as Deck and Hosts.

Yosefa, who is often known as Mama Yosefa, was named a 1999 recipient of the Yap Thiam Hien award for her struggle for Irianese tribal rights.

All seven were arrested in Timika during Thursday's incident when officers from the Elite Police Mobile Brigade tried to disperse a crowd of 3,000 as they attempted to lower the separatist flag.

No fatalities were reported in the incident, but 55 people were injured.

Irian Jaya Police chief Brig. Gen. S.Y. Wenas said he regretted the incident, adding that the shooting violated his instructions.

"We have sent a fact-finding team to investigate the shooting. All the officers involved in the shooting will be legally processed," Wenas said on Friday.

The Institute for Human Rights Studies and Advocacy demanded on Friday that police should withdraw completely from the scene of the incident as it might incite further unrest.

"The police officers' presence may cause people to become agitated and feel unsafe," the institute said in a statement on Friday. (eba/jun)