Jayapura – Although the matter has not been in the news recently, it now appears that the police are still carrying out investigations about the flying of the Kejora flag at the Sports Stadium in July.

Speaking to Cepos, the chief of criminal investigations Paulus Waterpauw said that altogether 37 persons have been questioned, including four expert witnesses from several universities.

The police are still trying to determine whether this should be treated as a case of rebellion (makar) They still need to decide whether charges can be made under the criminal code. Also to decide whether this was a threat to the nation"s sovereignty. 'We are seeking the views of the experts on this matter," he said. He also said they were trying to understand the meaning of the words of the Biak song, to see whether this is just part of Papuan culture.

He said that according to the experts the dances that were performed were within the frame of Papuan culture, "but it depends on who see the dances as to whether they might be influenced by them.'

He also said that many people watching the dancing had become hysterical, and it was necessary to see whether this was in any way connected with an act of rebellion.

There have been many interrogation sessions but the police still need to decide whether anyone should be identified as suspects. He also said there were problems about material evidence because the flag that had been flown had not been found. "We're still looking for it but that doesn't mean that we should halt the investigations", he said. They had also not yet been able to direct their investigations towards one or two people who might be named as suspects.

[Slightly abridged translation by Tapol.]