Nethy Darma Somba – The World Indigenous Day celebration in Papua province turned into a riot on Saturday after several members of local separatist group hoisted the Bintang Kejora (Morning Star) flag.

The flag has long been a symbol of the region's separatist rebellion, with the Papuan Tribal Council urging the government to recognize the flag as a cultural symbol for Papuans.

A civilian identified as Otinus Tabuni was found dead during the incident.

The cause of death has not been confirmed, but those attending the celebration at the Sinapuk field, Wamena, claim that he suffered from a bullet wound after military officers launched a series of gunshots as a reaction to several local traditional dancers hoisting the Bintang Kejora.

"The dancers came at about two p.m. local time during the closing of the celebration, carrying spears, which they later pierce to the ground and then tied four flags on each of the spears," Papua Traditional Administration head Fadall Al Hamid told The Jakarta Post.

Hamid said that the Bintang Kejora was raised along with the United Nations flag, the national flag or the Merah Putih and a flag with S.O.S. written on it.

Meanwhile, a local military officer Lt. Col. Gandry said that military officers made several warning shots before a group of local civilians became hostile towards the officers. "Whether the victim was shot or pierced by a spear is not definite yet," Gandry said.

Earlier this week, a letter signed by 40 US Congressmen was sent to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono demanding the release of two Papuans convicted for treason by local courts.

The Congress members argue that the two convicts, Filep Karma and Yusak Pakage, should not be penalized for publicly expressing their stance against the government. (and)