October 19, 2011
A local journalist at the scene of the “chaos” at the Papuan Peoples’ Congress in Jayapura on Wednesday said shots from a nearby hill rang out as Papuan leaders declared their independence from Indonesia and began waiving the banned Morning Star flag.
The journalist, who has gone into hiding because of fears for her safety, told the Jakarta Globe that after the shots at 3 p.m. Jayapura time, police officers and members of the Indonesian Military (TNI) began returning fire toward the hill.
She said security officers then attempted to shut-down the congress and moved in to make arrests.
At this point, the journalist said she fled, along with hundreds of others, many of whom who fled for the hills.
She said police had asked organizers prior to the congress, not to declare independence or raise the Morning Star flag.
Regional Military Commander Maj. Gen. Erfi Triassunu previously told the Globe that the TNI began firing “warning shots” after the independence declaration.
There are reports that hundreds of people have been detained, though there are no confirmed reports of deaths or injuries.
Other journalists in Jayapura say shops in the provincial capital have closed.
The story is developing.
(x the JG)
wo 19 okt 2011 - 20:24