ABC AUSTRALIA, 01/12/2003 20:06:37
Indonesian forces cut down separatist flag in Papua
Reports from the Indonesian province of Papua say police and troops have cut down a
separatist flag, on the anniversary of an independence proclamation.
Reverend Herman Awom says the flag flew outside the home of murdered
pro-independence leader Theys Eluay for almost three hours before it was cut down.
Reverend Awom is a former colleague of Mr Eluay.
The red-and-white Indonesian flag also flew outside the house in Sentani near the
provincial capital, Jayapura.
About 500 people attended a mass to mark the anniversary, but there were no reports
of violence.
Authorities had deployed more than 1,100 extra troops and police for the anniversary.
Mr Eluay was murdered by special forces troops in November 2001. Seven soldiers
were jailed for the killing.
Separatists proclaimed the state of West Papua on December 1, 1962, but Indonesia
ignored the proclamation and took control of the territory from Dutch colonisers in
1963.
01/12/2003 20:06:37 | ABC Radio Australia News
© 2001 Australian Broadcasting Corporation |
