A series of demonstrations calling for a referendum on Papuan self-determination have been taking place today in several main towns of Indonesia's Papua region.

However at least two of the rallies in Jayapura, Manokwari, Serui and Sarong, have reportedly been restricted by police who have deemed any demonstrations without a permit illegal.

The West Papua National Authority, which represents Papua's influential student movement, has organised these rallies and says they have been peaceful events.

A spokesman for the Authority, Jack Wainggai, says the rallies are voicing Papuans' desire for a peaceful solution to the violence and poverty they live with.

He says they are they are protesting against Special Autonomy law because it has has failed to bring any improvement to Papuans' lives since implementation in 2001.

"We want to say to the international public, national public and local public that West Papua needs a referendum, not Special Autonomy. The best solution is a referendum for West Papua abecause Special Autonomy is not good for us."