Source: West Papua Media Team

Thousands Walk for Peace in Manokwari Without Hindrance

Manokwari, June 10, 2011:

Over 5000 people have gathered peacefully in Manokwari, West Papua, watched by about 200 security forces, to call for the release of political prisoners and detainees in Papua. At time of publication (15:30 West Papua Time), the gathering has paralysed Manokwari, according to organisers, but is unimpeded by security forces..

Organised by West Papua National Authority (WPNA), the rally began with a three mile march from Sanggeng soccer stadium to the government’s provincial office (DPRD) at Manokwari. Thousands of Papuans were chanting “Thou Shalt Not Kill”, calling on the Indonesian government to end human rights abuses.

“Currently the situation in Manokwari is fine and [it] is understood that there are military personal and POLRI present at the scene,”

said Markus Yenu, Governor of Area 3, Manokwari. Mr Yenu highlighted that 100 security personal in civilian clothing and 20 POLRI surrounded the civilians.

“We have paralysed Manokwari, but our aspiration is for peaceful action.”

Please stay tuned for further developments. Security Forces have not indicated whether they will seek dispersal of the mass action at this stage.

“Liberation of the Political prisoners in Papua is act of good intention by Indonesian government to solve the root of conflict in Papua.”