Ben Cowles
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THOUSANDS of West Papuan independence activists continued their protest against Indonesian control today as violence spread and government buildings went up in flames.
Videos posted on social media appeared to show several buildings in the provincial capital Jayapura on fire.
National police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo confirmed that local government buildings had been torched but could not confirm whether protesters had also set fire to shops, offices and petrol stations.
Indonesia’s co-ordinating minister for politics, law and security told reporters in Jarkarta that he had received reports that protesters had also broken into a prison in Abepura.
A least one Indonesian police officer and two civilians have died during the protests so far.
Chairman of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua and founder of the Free West Papua campaign Benny Wenda told the Star the situation in his homeland was very dire.
“My people are rising up in some of the biggest demonstrations ever seen in West Papua,” Mr Wenda said.
“On Wednesday six Papuans were killed by Indonesian security services and we fear this is the beginning of a bloody crackdown.
“Internet and electricity services are being cut off in Jayapura and hundreds of special forces are moving to the region as people occupy government buildings.
“The world must pay attention to what is happening or there will be a repeat of the 1991 Santa Cruz massacre. The UN must act.”
