No separatist flag on July 1

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta, Thu, June 27 2013,




Lambertus Pekikir, the leader of Free Papua Movement's (OPM) military wing, the Papua Liberation Army Front (TPN) said that the organization will unilaterally proclaim the independence of Papua on July 1.

Lambertus said, however, the occasion would be celebrated solemnly.

"There will be no flag hoisting ceremony only mass prayers and a gathering at our headquarters," Lambertus said as quoted by tempo.co.

He said that if any Morning Star flag, the symbol of the separatist movement, is visible in and around the capital of Papua, Jayapura, none of his men would be responsible for the consequences.

Traditionally, the Morning Star flag is hoisted during the anniversary of the OPM on Dec. 1 every year.




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