Large demos across West Papua meet with mixed responses by police

Dozens of large demonstrations by West Papuans, organized by the West Papua National Committee (KNPB), took place across Indonesia on Saturday to commemorate the anniversary of the 1962 New York Agreement. This agreement, brokered by the U.S., transferred control of Papua from the Netherlands to Indonesia without genuine consultation with the West Papuan people.

In cities like Sentani and Jayapura, peaceful demonstrations were met with forceful police dispersal. Reports include alleged beatings, and the use of rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons, resulting in injuries among demonstrators. Seven members of the KNPB were reported injured in Sentani, and several students from Cenderawasih University were hurt in Jayapura.

While police closely monitored most events, and many demonstrations proceeded without incident in centers such as Merauke, Yahukimo, Wamena, Nabire, Sorong, Manokwari, and Timika, human rights defenders raised serious concerns. They highlighted that the forced dispersal and violence in several locations constitute a violation of the participants' right to express their opinions peacefully.

In Makassar, a KNPB member was reportedly struck by a wire arrow fired by a member of an alleged community-based militia group. The mixed responses from authorities underscore the ongoing tensions and complex political situation in the Indonesian-ruled Papua region.